Driving bans to increase in 2007 as motorists continue to use mobile phones

Motorists are more likely to lose their driving licence as a result of using mobile phones while driving in 2007 according to new research. New laws will come in to force in the New Year with drivers receiving an increased fine of £60 and three penalty points on their Driving Licence.

In the last recorded year of statistics provided by the government 221,400 motorists had their driving licence revoked for various motoring offences. With the introduction of the stricter mobile phone law this figure could rise by as much as 20% over the next two years, claims one industry expert.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said, “Motorists caught using mobiles whilst driving will add to the number of drivers banned unless they are provided with a simple and affordable solution or are educated to leave their phone switched off. Unfortunately, our research indicates that 76% of drivers are not prepared to switch off their phone while they drive and 25% of these drivers admitted they would take a phone call - even without a hands free kit.”

Over 100,000 motorists have already received fines for using their mobiles whilst driving during the last year. Some drivers have been disqualified from driving or sent to prison as a result of using their mobile phone and causing a road accident.

“The new law for motorists using mobile phones will increase driver disqualifications dramatically. Not only because so many motorists are still breaking this law, but due to the fact that so many drivers already have points on their licence from other motoring convictions - this will be the final nail in the coffin for many of these motorists,” added Mark Cornwall.

Good quality hands free kits can be expensive and some need to be factory fitted which limits the driver to use one vehicle only. Further expense is added when the motorist changes their vehicle and needs to pay for removal and reinstallation of the kit; alternatively they leave their kit with their old vehicle and need to buy a new one – adding further expense. Some cheap units are often difficult to operate with poor sound quality making them virtually unusable, resulting in some motorists taking the risk of picking up their phone rather than struggle to use a hands free kit. Mail order specialist, Car Parts Direct claims to have found the ideal solution to encourage more motorists to drive hands free.

They supply the Rossini Chat2U-ICU, a user friendly hands free kit that can be fitted in a couple of minutes and is transferable from one vehicle to another in seconds. The performance is claimed to be excellent and it’s easy to operate ensuring the driver remains legal. The new Bluetooth Rossini Chat2U-ICU also has caller display and can be voice activated allowing total hands free calling whilst driving. The caller display allows the driver to ignore unwanted calls and the unit simply clips on to the sun visor. One charge lasts up to 200 hours on standby or allows around 10 hours of talk time. The Chat2U-ICU works with Bluetooth mobile phones and costs £79.95 including free delivery when ordered online.

To avoid a £60 fine, penalty points, the risk of a ban or imprisonment in 2007 for driving whilst using a mobile phone visit carparts-direct.co.uk.