[visordown.com] - FTA calls for better enforcement of mobile phone laws before increa

[Ninjette Newsbot]

THE Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said that better enforcement of the rules governing mobile phone use and driving is needed before penalties are increased.

Following a consultation with its members yesterday, the FTA has stated that authorities should use technology such as cameras to improve enforcement and gather the evidence against those caught breaking the law.

The FTA’s statement follows the Department for Transport’s recent announcement that it’s beginning a consultation period on its plans to increase penalties for drivers caught using mobile phones. The DfT’s proposed increased penalties would see HGV drivers receive six points if caught using a mobile phone while driving a HGV.

Ian Gallagher, FTA’s Head of Policy South West and Wales said:

‘FTA members have told us that whilst they welcome the increase in sanctions they believe there is a definite need for better enforcement against drivers using mobile phones when behind the wheel.

‘We know that many already have a “zero-tolerance” approach to their drivers using a hand held mobile device in their Terms and Conditions of employment, and a single offence would mean the driver losing their job.’

The FTA’s comments chime with a similar response from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, which stopped short of endorsing the DfT’s plans, instead proposing that deterring people from using phones while driving could only be increased with more traffic police on the roads.

Image by Ed Poor under licence from Creative Commons.

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