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SINCE it became a criminal offence two years ago, more than 1,300 people in Bromley have been caught using their mobile phones at the wheel.
From February 2007, the Road Safety Act made it an offence to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving.
Three penalty points can now be added to the driver’s licence, along with a fine of £60.
While many people think that talking on a mobile phone is not dangerous, in fact the reaction times of drivers talking on one are worse than if they were drunk.
This is according to the national Transport Research Laboratory which researches into roads safety.
Police say there is a misapprehension that it is only illegal for drivers to use hand-held mobiles whilst actually moving, but it also applies when drivers stop at traffic lights or queue in traffic.
Bromley Borough Roads Action Group campaigns on safety issues and traffic problems.
Chairman Roger Lawson said: “I’m opposed to people talking on mobiles while driving.
“Clearly there are a lot of idiots.
“I think the police should try to stop the use of mobiles phones.
“It’s a good use of police resources because clearly it’s a factor in accidents.”
Borough Commander Charles Griggs said: "The use of mobile phones whilst driving is a proven contributory factor to traffic collisions.
“If we are to reduce the numbers of people killed and injured on our roads we must tackle this irresponsible behaviour.
“We receive many complaints from the public who are angered by the flagrant abuse of this law.
“To those people who continue to flout the law, the message is that three points and a £60 fine will be the least of their worries - offenders will also be prosecuted where necessary.
“Bromley Police will continue to play their part in making roads safer."
From February 2007, the Road Safety Act made it an offence to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving.
Three penalty points can now be added to the driver’s licence, along with a fine of £60.
While many people think that talking on a mobile phone is not dangerous, in fact the reaction times of drivers talking on one are worse than if they were drunk.
This is according to the national Transport Research Laboratory which researches into roads safety.
Police say there is a misapprehension that it is only illegal for drivers to use hand-held mobiles whilst actually moving, but it also applies when drivers stop at traffic lights or queue in traffic.
Bromley Borough Roads Action Group campaigns on safety issues and traffic problems.
Chairman Roger Lawson said: “I’m opposed to people talking on mobiles while driving.
“Clearly there are a lot of idiots.
“I think the police should try to stop the use of mobiles phones.
“It’s a good use of police resources because clearly it’s a factor in accidents.”
Borough Commander Charles Griggs said: "The use of mobile phones whilst driving is a proven contributory factor to traffic collisions.
“If we are to reduce the numbers of people killed and injured on our roads we must tackle this irresponsible behaviour.
“We receive many complaints from the public who are angered by the flagrant abuse of this law.
“To those people who continue to flout the law, the message is that three points and a £60 fine will be the least of their worries - offenders will also be prosecuted where necessary.
“Bromley Police will continue to play their part in making roads safer."
