UK drivers caught using hand-held devices will face fines and points on their licence in tough new laws.
The Government is strengthening existing laws on using mobile phones while driving to include scrolling through playlists and taking photos.
It’s already illegal to make phone calls or text while behind the wheel, unless in an emergency.
The new laws will make it easier for police to prosecute drivers caught using hand-held devices, with £200 fines and six points on driving licences.
The new law will make it illegal to scroll through playlists while driving. Credit: Brake.org.
That includes when cars are in stationary traffic, like at traffic lights or in traffic jams.
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The news was announced this morning by the Department for Transport.
Drivers will be able to use hands-free modes still for things like navigation apps, but only if the phone’s secured in a cradle.
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Another exemption will be when drivers need to use contactless payments – like at the entrance to toll roads, or in drive-thrus – to ‘ensure the law keeps pace with technology’.
But they can still be charged with an offence if they’re found to ‘not be in proper control of their vehicle’.
Drivers will face £200 fines and six points on their licence. Credit: Peakpx.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.
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“By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.
“While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning THINK! campaign, which challenges social norms among high-risk drivers.”
Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of road safety charity Brake, said: “Driver distraction can be deadly and using a hand-held phone at the wheel is never worth the risk.
“This important road safety decision by government, coinciding with Road Safety Week, is very welcomed.
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“This news is particularly welcomed by families suffering bereavement and catastrophic injury due to drivers being distracted by phones.
“The theme for Road Safety Week is road safety heroes – we can all be road safety heroes by giving driving our full attention.”
Featured image: Pixabay
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
Daisy Jackson -
19th November 2021 
