London, November 20 : .Drivers in Britain will face fines as well as a threat to their driving licences if they use cellphones in vehicles.
This is according to the British Department for Transport (DfT). It is illegal to make phone calls or text while driving in Britain.
However, new laws will prohibit drivers from using their cellphones for taking photos, videos, browsing playlists, or playing games.
The law will outlaw hand-held devices that are used to stop vehicles at traffic lights and hold them up in queues on gridlocked motorways.
According to Xinhua, offenders face a fixed penalty notice worth 200 pounds ($269) and 6 points on the driving licence.This could lead to a suspension under a points-totting-up system.
Following a public survey, 81% of respondents supported stronger laws and making it easier to prosecute those responsible.
The DfT published a study on Friday that showed younger drivers are more likely than older motorists to use a handheld device while driving.
Ipsos MORI conducted a poll for the DfT and found that around two-thirds of those aged 16-24 used their smartphones while they were stationary at traffic lights or in traffic, while six percent used them while driving in traffic.
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary said that “too many deaths and injury occur while mobile phones remain in custody.” We are making it simpler to bring the law into the 21st Century by making it easier for people to be prosecuted illegally while using their mobile phone at the wheel.
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