POLICE have urged drivers to leave their mobile phone alone or they could cause “tragic consequences” – as laws around hand-held device use are set to be toughened up.

The Department for Transport is preparing to strengthen the law from next month.

From March 25, handling a phone or mobile device from touching the screen to playing a game or scrolling through a music app will be banned under the new rules, which also cover when stopped in traffic or at a red light.

The only exceptions are to make an emergency call when it is not possible to pull over and to make a contactless payment at a toll or drive-thru.

Using a phone as a sat-nav will still be permitted if it is secured in a holder and hands-free calls will also be allowed.

Drivers could be prosecuted however, if they are found to not be in proper control of the vehicle while doing these actions.

The Government has brought forward the changes in an effort by ministers to close a loophole related to the wording of the existing legislation.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has long campaigned to toughen up these rules, and we welcome this announcement.

“This is a much needed upgrade of the law to help make our roads safer. Mobile phones offer many distractions and this sends a clear message that picking them up to use them will not be tolerated.

“The law will also become tougher as the use of smartwatches, tablets and laptops behind the wheel will apply.

“Drivers will be extremely limited on when they can pick up their phone, mainly to call the emergency services when there was no opportunity to safely pull over and to make contactless payments at drive-thrus.

"Being sat in a traffic jam or waiting at the lights is not an excuse, we want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”

Dorset Police Inspector Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, said: “I would urge anyone who thinks it is OK to use a mobile phone while driving to seriously consider their actions.

“Using a mobile phone at the wheel is a distraction and can lead to tragic consequences.

“Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of other road users and, while you think you can get away with it, it is vital that drivers realise they could kill someone.

“You can’t use a phone to communicate in any way at the wheel and even if you are using it legally, you can still be prosecuted if it can be proved that you were not in proper control of your vehicle.

“I would ask all motorists to drive with courtesy and patience.

“Don’t take unnecessary risks or think it will never happen to you – it happens to people in all areas of the community.

“We are urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions and leave their phone alone.

“Our Roads Policing Team operate seven days a week to tackle the five biggest killers on our roads known as the fatal five. These are: drink and drug driving, excessive and inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distractions such as using a hand-held mobile phone and dangerous or careless driving.

“We also respond to community concerns and target collision locations."

Drivers who are caught using their phone or other mobile hand-held device for any of the following reasons face a £200 fine and six points on their licence from March 25:

  • illuminating the screen
  • checking the time
  • checking notifications
  • unlocking the device
  • making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
  • sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
  • sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
  • utilising camera, video, or sound recording functionality
  • drafting any text
  • accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages
  • accessing an application
  • accessing the internet

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