Motorists caught driving dangerously while using a handheld mobile phone face jail under new guidelines. The Crown Prosecution Service guidance follows a policy change announced in September because of concerns that too many drivers flouted the ban announced the BBC
Most drivers will still face the standard penalty of a fine and points. However, where driving falls far short of what is safe, prosecutors can press charges of dangerous driving, which carries a maximum two-year sentence.
Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald announced the changes to policy earlier this year and said such cases could include sending a text message while driving.
Meanwhile, a major employer has banned the use of legal hands-free kits because of research suggesting they have no safety benefits.
It follows findings by the Transport Research Laboratory that having a phone conversation could be more dangerous than drink-driving.
