Under new rules, motorists committing the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will get six points on their licence and face a £200 fine.

However, HGV drivers face additional sanctions over and above the increased points and fines through the industry’s regulator – the Traffic Commissioners. TCs can, and do, take action against drivers who use hand-held mobile phones. If caught committing such an offence, the police automatically pass the offence information to the relevant TC. This action is also taken against HGV drivers committing offences when driving vehicles other than HGVs as the commissioners consider that HGV drivers must maintain high professional standards at all times – even when driving cars or other vehicles.

Commenting, RHA Chief Executive Richard Burnett said, “As far as the road haulage sector is concerned, the RHA is urging employers and drivers to help eradicate this practice from the industry once and for all. Those that continue to flout the law are putting lives and their own livelihoods as risk.”

Photo: Richard Burnett.