Gwent Police launch All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone Driving Campaign

Published: Monday, 8 October 2012

The four Welsh Police Forces, led by Gwent Police in partnership with Road Safety Wales, have launched the All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone Driving Campaign.

Despite the law change in February 2007 where mobile phone driving results in three penalty points and a £60 fine, drivers in Wales are still persisting with this dangerous activity and breaking the law.

Police patrols to target mobile phone driving will increase across Welsh roads for the duration of the enforcement campaign, which runs from 8th October to 21st October, to promote the safety message and raise awareness of the dangers and penalties among motorists.

Inspector Lee Ford, of Gwent Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: "The consequences of a momentary lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating to road users and pedestrians.

"As soon as a driver answers a call, looks at their phone to text or read a message, their concentration is affected and as a result, they cannot give their full attention to the road and risk becoming involved in a collision.

"With the greater use of smart phones, drivers need to be aware that it is not just making a call or texting that are distractions, but using a phone to access applications, e-mails or the internet. These actions carry the same danger, hence, the same penalty.

"Remember to switch off before you drive and pick up any missed calls or texts when it is safe and convenient to do so. If you need to use the phone when driving, then stop at the first safe opportunity."

Chair of Road Safety Wales, Sue Storch, added: "Road Safety Wales partners will support our police colleagues throughout this campaign by publicising the dangers of using a mobile device while driving."