Industry News from Yes Insurance

The new regulations to punish drivers spotted using their mobile phones on the road have been praised by Hertfordshire County Council.

Last Tuesday, the Department for Transport launched the sanctions - meaning a motorist caught in the act can be fined £60 and receive a three point penalty on their driving licence.

This could see offenders suffer a double-whammy by also paying a higher car insurance premium when it is time to renew.

But This Is Hampshire has reported that Stuart Pike, county council member for highways, transport and rural affairs has called the new punishments "deserved".

People should turn off their phones completely before they drive in order to avoid risking an accident, the official stated.

"Motorists should never make or answer a call while driving, and instead should use voicemail or call divert," he said.

The original ban on using a handheld mobile phone while behind the wheel was implemented by the Department for Transport in December 2003.

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