Better enforcement needed to combat drivers using mobile phones says FTA

Responding to proposed changes to penalties on drivers using a hand-held mobile phone, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that better enforcement is needed before penalties are increased. After consulting with members at its Road Freight Council Meeting in London yesterday, the FTA stated that the use of modern technology and cameras should be able to enable authorities to improve enforcement and provide evidence against those breaking the law. The recently launched consultation proc
February 8, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Responding to proposed changes to penalties on drivers using a hand-held mobile phone, the 6983 Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that better enforcement is needed before penalties are increased.  
 
After consulting with members at its Road Freight Council Meeting in London yesterday, the FTA stated that the use of modern technology and cameras should be able to enable authorities to improve enforcement and provide evidence against those breaking the law.

The recently launched consultation process by the 1837 Department for Transport (DfT) outlined the proposed changes to penalties for the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.  The announcement outlined consideration by the Government to increase the cost of a fixed penalty notice from £100 to £150 for all drivers, and the number of penalty points on an HGV driver’s licence would rise from three to six.

Ian Gallagher, FTA head of policy south west and Wales said: "FTA members have told us that whilst they welcome the increase in sanctions they believe there is a definite need for better enforcement against drivers using mobile phones when behind the wheel.  
 
“We know that many already have a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to their drivers using a hand held mobile device in their Terms and Conditions of employment, and a single offence would mean the driver losing their job.  HGV drivers are also subject to regulation by the Traffic Commissioners and a second offence could lead to a two or three week suspension of their HGV licence.”
Enforcement

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Driver of cloned car escapes speeding fine thanks to in-car telematics device
    March 10, 2016
    A UK motorist has escaped a fine and points on his licence after anti-motor fraud specialist, Asset Protection Unit (APU), was able to prove his innocence by analysing the vehicle’s telematics data. The driver, from Wembley, London was accused of speeding in Lincoln in November last year even though the vehicle thought to be involved, a BMW 2 Series, was actually still in Wembley. Police issued the fine of £100 and three penalty points when a vehicle was caught by a fixed speed camera in Lincoln trave
    Read More
  • Assessing the potential of in-vehicle enforcement systems
    December 4, 2012
    Jason Barnes considers the social and ethical ramifications of using in-vehicle safety technologies to fulfil enforcement functions. Although policy documents often imply close correlation between enforcement, compliance and safety – in part, as a counter to accusations that enforcement is rather more concerned with revenue generation – there is a noticeable reluctance among policy makers and auto manufacturers to exploit in-vehicle safety systems for enforcement applications. From a technical perspective t
    Read More
  • RHA welcomes enforcement of poor driving
    August 16, 2013
    The UK’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the news that police officers will now be able to issue fixed penalties for tail gating and for general poor lane discipline. "This is good news for all road users," said RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning. "The UK road network is among the most congested in Europe. As traffic levels continue to rise, it is inevitable that there will be a corresponding increase in traffic incidents. Careless driving is a major cause of crashes and we hope that the new poli
    Read More
  • GHSA wants more action on distracted driving 
    May 5, 2021
    Some US state laws have not kept pace with tech, says lobby group StopDistractions.org
    Read More

Highlighted Content