§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines his Department has set for the police concerning motorists(a) eating, (b)smoking and (c) drinking non-alcoholic drinks whilst driving. [148413]
§ Caroline FlintDrivers must have proper control of their vehicles and drive carefully and safely at all times. Any motorist who fails to do so, for whatever reason, is liable to prosecution for failing to exercise proper control of a vehicle, careless or inconsiderate driving, or dangerous driving. The police will consider in each case whether eating, drinking or smoking whilst driving might amount to or contribute to the commission of one of these offences and charge accordingly. The Association of Chief Police Officers is content that the existing legislation provides sufficient powers to prosecute successfully any driving offences that may arise from distracting behaviour.