Motorists ignore tougher penalty for using mobiles
A DOZEN motorists were caught in ONE HOUR using their phone while driving on a busy city centre road on the day tougher penalties were introduced.
The M.E.N. spent an hour yesterday monitoring motorists in Great Ancoats Street during the morning rush hour as new rules became law which double the penalties for being caught on the phone behind the wheel.
Motorists caught by police using their phone while at the wheel will now receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine.
In addition, those who have had their licence for less than two years will have their licence revoked.
New drivers who get six points or more on their licence must retake their practical and theory tests.
We spotted 12 drivers using their phones in about an hour on a stretch of the busy route heading towards Shudehill. None were spotted taking a call, but were seen with phones in their hand.
GMP is taking part in a nationwide crackdown this week, with extra patrols set to monitor motorists.
Insp Tony Allt, of GMP’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Unfortunately, there are still a number of drivers who selfishly continue to endanger the lives of fellow road users, as well as their own, by using a mobile phone while driving.
“To coincide with the national campaign and the introduction of the tougher penalties, we will have a number of marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and roadside checks to identify and stop motorists who break the law. Using a mobile phone or any device that distracts your attention while driving is simply wrong for the road.”
New drivers are being invited to an event at Bury College tomorrow run by GMP and the fire service, where they can learn of the dangers of driving while using a phone in a simulator.
GMP will also hold a question and answer session on Twitter from 5pm to 7pm today and are inviting people to take part by using the hashtag #AskGMP.
Graham Jones, chairman of the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership, added: “There’s no excuse for using a mobile phone at the wheel. Missing a call won’t kill anyone – a collision might.
“The safest option is to switch your phone off before driving.”