Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Mobile Phones

A substantial body of research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing.

Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free:

• are much less aware of what's happening on the road around them.
• fail to see road signs.
• fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed.
• are more likely to 'tailgate' the vehicle in front.
• react more slowly and take longer to brake.
• are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic.
• feel more stressed and frustrated.
  

They are also four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves and/or other people.

Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.

On February 27 2007, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced "Motorists face tough penalties for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving".
From that date, the fixed penalty will include the award of three penalty points as well as a fine of £60.