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The Essex Casualty Reduction Board - 02.07
New legislation for drivers

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board today reminded drivers that under new legislation they will face up to three points on their licence, and a £60 fixed fine, if they are caught using a hand-held phone while driving.

The new legislation comes into force on the 27 th February and the revised penalties will replace the existing current fine of £30 and no points. Essex Police have committed to prosecute anyone caught using their phone to talk, send texts, take pictures or access the internet while driving - including when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

County Councillor Rodney Bass, Chairman of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board and   Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation said: "Surveys by the Department for Transport (DfT) show that over 25% of drivers actually admit to using a mobile phone while driving. Hopefully, this new legislation will deter these drivers from putting themselves and others in danger. It is hard to concentrate on two things at once; in fact, research has shown that if you are using your mobile phone while driving you are four times more likely to have a crash."

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