§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ban the use of mobile telephones while driving in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the introduction of spot fines for the use of such telephones by drivers. [142660]
§ Mr. SpellarUnder the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 drivers are required by law to exercise proper control of their vehicle at all times. The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 provides that a person who breaches these regulations commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to level three on the standard scale (£1000). As such, drivers can already be prosecuted for driving with undue care and attention if they are using a mobile telephone while driving.
With effect from 1 February 2004,1 will be making it a specific offence to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving. The penalty will be a £30 fixed penalty—sometimes referred to as a "spot fine"—or a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction in court. It is also my intention to introduce by September 2005 legislation to increase the penalty by making it an endorsable offence attracting penalty points and a £60 fine.