More than 16,000 citations were written for electronic distracted driving in the first 10 months of 2022, government statistics show. That amounted to about 3.3 million pounds in fines. London accounted for well over a third of the ticketing. 2022 was the first year under tougher distracted driving laws in the UK. The government plans to close a loophole in the country's handheld mobile phone law. The loophole -- which allowed the taking of photos, scrolling for music and playing games -- was used by some drivers to beat distracted driving charges. Roads minister Baroness Vere said: "We’re … [Read more...]
Britain to double mobile phone fines
September 17, 2016 by 1 Comment
Britain's new government is following up tough talk on electronic distracted driving with a doubling of penalties for handheld mobile phone use. The new punishments, still being finalized, will be be at least £200 and 6 points vs. the driver's license, officials says. They will take effect in the first half of next year, the Department for Transport said. The moves are spearheaded by new Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, left, who was appointed by Prime Minister Theresa May. Distracted drivers "could kill and cause untold misery to others," Grayling said in a statement Sept. 17. "I … [Read more...]
U.K. mobile seizure stories bogus
July 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
U.K. drivers were startled by local reports that police would be inspecting mobile phones of all those involved in crashes, seeking evidence of distracted driving. Despite the Big Brother creepiness, the story wasn't entirely outlandish, given that the transportation secretary recently called the toll from texting and handheld mobile use "absolutely appalling" -- and vowed to look into doubling the demerit points vs. violators. Yet, despite the reports in several daily newspapers, including the Daily Mail, it wasn't true. Suzette Davenport, who heads the Association of Chief Police … [Read more...]
Irish texting & driving tab: $1,400
May 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Those who text and drive in Ireland are out of luck. They're now facing some of the planet's toughest distracted driving penalties, with fines for first offenses topping out at 1,000 Euros -- about $1,400. The penalties, which took effect May 1, increase to a maximum €2,000 for a second offense. Three-time offenders are looking at €3,000 and a possible three months in jail (offenses within a year). Offenders will have to show up in court, instead of taking roadside penalty points. The changes also apply to those "accessing information" (Web sites) via smartphones. The new fines do not … [Read more...]
‘Name and shame’ cell phone violators
January 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Steady, cell phone chatterers. The Essex Chronicle in England has decided to "name and shame" drivers who are violating traffic laws by using mobile phones behind the wheel. A reporter accompanied local police as they cited drivers for chatting and texting while motoring. The newspaper then printed the perps' names and photos. The unusual tactic sometimes is used by the media to humiliate prostitutes' johns, but the cell phone suspects didn't seem all that repentant. "I don't like people telling me how to live my life," said second-time offender Gemma Dean. When asked if she felt like she … [Read more...]
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