Despite the risk to themselves and other road users, the latest figures from the Home Office show that, in 2004, approximately 74,000 drivers were issued fixed penalty notices after being caught using their mobile phone at the wheel.
As of 27th February, motorists found using their mobile while driving will not only receive a £60 fine, but will also automatically receive three points on their licence.
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=258357&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False
The news comes as leading satellite navigation manufacturer Navman launches a new Bluetooth module for its award-winning entry level sat nav. This Bluetooth option allows motorists in their cars to take calls through the sat-nav system itself, without picking up the mobile handset.
‘New technology makes our life easier, and it’s our duty to use it responsibly,’ says Colin Holloway, PR and Internet Director at Navman Europe. ‘We recognise the need for driver safety, and as such have introduced a Bluetooth module that provides clear on-screen caller display when used with our F20 sat nav. The new offering features voice-activated dialling, which means that drivers can get from A to B as safely as possible while knowing that they can get in touch with home or the office whenever they need to. That mobile phone call may seem important, but the safety of you, other drivers and pedestrians is much more so.’
Colin Holloway is available for comment – please contact Kate Baxter, Leonie Martin or Jane Leah on 0207 833 9595, or
kate@beamagency.com, leonie@beamagency.com or jane@beamagency.com.