Letter: Careless talk from motorists could cost lives

This new national campaign by the police has, in just seven days, caught over 8,000 motorists using their handheld mobiles, before the new charges come into force on March 1.
New national campaign has caught over 8,000 motorists.New national campaign has caught over 8,000 motorists.
New national campaign has caught over 8,000 motorists.

Scarborough is no different from other towns and cities with this problem; one only has to stand on any street corner or traffic lights around the town, to see the numbers of drivers using their mobile phone while driving is unbelievable.

With more and more people being injured or killed as a result of accidents due to drivers using their handheld mobile phones or texting while driving, is it any wonder that the government is changing the points and fines for drivers caught.

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Or is this just another knee jerk reaction to a problem which has been let get out of control for too long and will become just another cash builder for the government?

What is so shocking is the fact that is has taken this length of time for the government or the transport people to act on this growing issue.

Some believe that the continued rise in drivers using their handheld mobiles is due to fewer drivers been caught and prosecuted by the police.

Government statistics released, suggest depleted police forces are no longer willing or able to enforce the rules.

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Fines will increase to £200 and six points on your licence for using a handheld mobile phone or texting while driving from March 1.

Drivers caught twice, face fines of up to £1,000 and a driving ban of at least six months. Newly qualified drivers may have to retake their test the first time they are caught.

It is hoped that injury, death and accident numbers will fall due to this change, but will the cost of car insurance fall too? Only time will tell.

What needs to get through is careless talk costs lives.

Phil McDonald

Wreyfield Drive

Scarborough

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