Special police checks on drivers using phones

Police in Sussex have given notice that they intend to enforce the new tougher penalties against motorists using hand held mobile phones as soon as they come into force next Tuesday (27 February).
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2007, 21:10 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:51 BST

From midnight, fines will be doubled from 30 to 60, and three penalty points added to a driver's licence for the offence of using a hand held mobile phone while driving and failing to have proper control of a vehicle.

Any case that goes to court could result in disqualification and a maximum fine of 1,000, rising to 2,500 in the case of the driver of a bus, coach or goods vehicle.

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Since the existing law was introduced in December 2003, Sussex Police has issued fixed penalty notices to some 4,000 motorists for illegal use of mobile phones - 2,311 last year alone.

But Superintendent Paul Morrison, Head of Road Policing in Sussex, warned that - unless drivers changed their ways - these figures will rise sharply.

He said: "I want to stress that this isn't about bashing the motorist. It's about reducing casualties and saving lives.

"Anyone talking on a hand held mobile while driving is a danger to themselves and to every other road user.

"We will be carrying out special checks across Sussex as soon as the new penalties come into force. The new laws will be enforced."

Related topics:SussexSussex Police