As of 27th February 2007 drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone, or those caught using a hands free set while failing to have proper control of a vehicle, will face a doubling of fines to £60, three penalty points on their licence and the possibility of huge hikes in car insurance.
A leading insurance company has let the cat out of the bag by revealing many insurers add up to 5-7% on premiums for one conviction (equivalent to an SP30 speeding conviction), 21% for two convictions, while drivers caught with three convictions could see insurance increases of up to 52%.
With over 16% of the driving population already carrying points on their licence, the message is clear - avoid using mobiles unless you have a hands free kit and are in proper control of your vehicle.
They also warn that insurers as a whole, are starting to take penalty points more seriously, leading to steep rises in premiums for those with repeat convictions.
Well I should jolly well think so. If these drivers are foolish enough to accumulate points on their licence they should be penalised and the best ways is through rising insurance quotes.
Hit then hard - via their pockets. They might think twice about the 'seriousness’ of answering the phone whilst driving.
Jackie Violet