‘Irresponsible’ Jag advert banned

AN advert for Jaguar has been banned for encouraging unsafe driving.

The sponsored article highlighted the Jaguar XE’s hands-free mobile technology, which it said allows motorists to ‘stay in touch on the move’.

It was placed in The Guardian, and described features such as smartphone connectivity. A testimonial said the driver could ‘use the phone via the car’.

Using a hands-free kit at the wheel is not illegal. But the Advertising Stand- ards Authority said such activity ‘was likely to distract a driver’, adding: ‘The advert was irresponsible as it was likely to encourage unsafe driving practices.’

Jaguar said it made clear that the functions should be used safely, but the ASA ruled that the advert must not appear again in its current form.

The Daily Mail has highlighted the ‘mobile madness’ of motorists being distracted by calls, which has resulted in a number of deaths.