Get off the phone, drivers are told

RECORD numbers of motorists are being prosecuted for driving while using a hand-held mobile phone, new figures reveal.

Richard Hooton asked shoppers in Oldham town centre if they think the message is getting through about the dangers and if punishments should be increased to act as a deterrent.

A CAMPAIGN by the Evening Chronicle has repeatedly warned about the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel — with photographers taking pictures of offenders caught red-handed.

Greater Manchester Accident Reduction Partnership has also used high-tech mobile cameras fixed to Smart cars to target law-breaking motorists.

But it seems the message across the country is not getting through with figures from the Ministry of Justice showing the number of drivers taken to court have leaped more than 150 per cent between 2007 and 2008.

The number of men prosecuted shot up from 9,656 to 23,649, while the number of women rose from 1,255 to 3,344.

When the use of hand-held mobiles behind the wheel was first outlawed, only 445 men and 37 women were prosecuted.

Many more drivers will have avoided a court appearance by paying a £60 fixed penalty fine and taking three points on their licence.

Research has shown drivers’ reaction time slows by almost half when they are talking on a hand-held phone, while texting slows reaction times by a third.

Oldhamers questioned for their views were united in condemning the practice.

Duncan Green (62), from Greenfield, said: “They are not getting the message. It’s just simply dangerous. In Jersey the law is enforced very vigorously.”

Wife Susan (60) added: “They are taking no notice of it.”

They suggested increasing the punishment to a £250 fine and confiscating the mobile phone.

Oldham Sixth Form College student Rofu Miah (17) said: “I think people ignore it. People can put the phone down if they see a police car. Some people might be all right but some won’t be able to control their car.

“It’s right that they are punished. I think the punishment of a fine is all right as is. It’s whether you do it or not. You don’t think about the fine when you get in the car.”

Friend Miju Haque (17), from Oldham, agreed.

John Harris (63), from Oldham, said: “I think people just ignore it. I think the punishment should be increased. I don’t have a mobile phone and I’m not interested in them but I definitely think it’s a dangerous thing to do.”

Harold Charlesworth (80), from Oldham, said: “I don’t believe in mobile phones at all. They are a distraction and I think it’s dangerous. I don’t believe in people being on the phone and talking while driving a car.”

Nicola Goodwin (31), from Waterhead, said: “People are still all doing it. You see it all the time. Harsher punishments would not stop it if drivers think they won’t get caught. I think three points on your licence is quite a lot.”

Senga McDonald, from Oldham, said: “You still see people talking on a mobile phone while driving quite regularly. They don’t take it seriously. I don’t think there’s a solution. They will always dare to do it whether they are caught or not.

“I think it’s dangerous and they are not paying attention to the road. It causes accidents.”

Sue Ogden (59), from Chadderton, said: “I agree that people should not use their mobile phone when driving as it’s not safe. I don’t know if people take any notice as you still see it a lot. I think there should be a harsher deterrent. It distracts people badly.”

Jess Summerhill (17), an Oldham Sixth Form College student, said: “I think people still do it. I think texting is worse than talking on the phone. But people smoke and still have one hand to drive with. I think it should be prosecuted but not many people get caught.”

Friend Kinsey Findlater (18) added: “I think it does tend to cause a lot of accidents but it’s not a high enough priority for the police.”