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Drivers spotted using phones 'to face insurance hikes'

Drivers spotted using mobile phones handsets at the wheel now face insurance hikes, thanks to new legislation implemented yesterday.

In a government crackdown, any drivers found using their handheld mobile phones will be fined £60 and receive three penalty points on their driving licence.

The Road Traffic Act 2006 came into effective on British roads yesterday (February 27th 2007).

But according to insurers Liverpool Victoria, seven million drivers believe they are not distracted when using a handheld mobile. This represents about 22 per cent of drivers on the roads.

John O’Roarke, managing director of Liverpool Victoria General Insurance, said: "We welcome this move to increase the penalty for using a handheld mobile phone while driving."

He added: "Any distraction while driving, such as using a handheld mobile phone, is dangerous and could cause an accident. In addition, drivers convicted of this offence are likely to face higher premiums when they renew their motor insurance."

The government's road safety campaign Think! highlights research which suggests that drivers using a mobile phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to crash than those who do not.

28/02/2007 15:20:54

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