Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Licence Bureau backs total ban on phone use while driving
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Licence Bureau backs total ban on phone use while driving

Date: 30 August 2019   |   Author: Sean Keywood

A call by MPs for a complete ban on mobile phone use - including hands-free calls - while driving has been backed by licence checking company Licence Bureau.

The firm believes the recommendation from the House of Commons Transport Committee is both long overdue and enforceable.

Licence Bureau managing director Malcolm Maycock said: "It is absolutely the right thing to do - lives are being lost and it is long overdue.

"Advancements in technology should enable the police to enforce a total ban, assisted by vehicle manufacturers and mobile phone providers.

"Patrol cars already have automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology onboard, as well as stolen vehicle detection systems, so why not extend this capability to identify mobile phone use in a vehicle?"

Maycock said he welcomed the introduction of mobile phone detection warning signs by several police forces across the UK as an education tool, and argued this approach could logically be extended to include camera back-up to identify single occupancy in vehicles.

Although there are clear financial and legal implications with regards to detection and prosecution, Malcolm said that believes drivers have had since 2003 - 16 years - to absorb the fact that using hand-held mobile phones or other devices while driving is illegal, and that now is the time to move things forward.

Licence Bureau's own no-mobile phone usage policy states that any employees driving on company business must not use any type of mobile phone, including hands-free, whilst driving.

It is also company policy that if any employee calls or receives a call from someone they believe is using a mobile phone while driving, then the call is ended promptly.

Licence Bureau advises its business partners that any of their drivers caught using a mobile phone whilst driving can be charged with 'failing to have proper control of their vehicle', or 'careless or dangerous driving', and that those drivers should also be subject to disciplinary action.



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