Using phone at wheel must be seen to be bad as drink-driving

LAST year, the Mirror launched its campaign for stiffer penalties for people caught using a mobile phone while driving. On the day the campaign began, I spoke in Parliament as Transport Secretary for the first time. I said then that I wanted to take tough action against this crime.

So this week the Government is doubling the fine for those caught using a phone at the wheel, from £100 to £200, and penalty points from three to six. Anyone caught within two years of passing their test will lose their licence. Those caught twice face court, a ban and fines up to £1,000. I am grateful to the Mirror for raising awareness of this dangerous habit.

Around 25 people a year are killed by drivers distracted by their phone. When we asked the public, 96% said using a phone at the wheel is unacceptable.

What we really need is a change in some

drivers’ attitudes. We can all play a role, by helping friends and family who use a phone while driving to understand that it’s as unacceptable as drink or drug-driving.

We will also run a THINK! campaign to alert people to the dangers and inform them penalties are getting much tougher.

All this is part of our plan to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads. We have already strengthened the law against drug drivers. This week’s action shows we are just as serious about those who use mobile phones while driving.