Britain bans hand-held mobiles while driving

Motorists who use their mobile phones while driving in the UK could face a fine of up to £1,000 under tough new legislation unveiled yesterday (June 24).

The ban will come into force on December 1, with fixed penalty fines of £30 for motorists using hand-held mobiles. A fine of up to £1,000 may apply on court conviction. Motorists will still be able top use hands-free systems as long as they drive carefully while using them.

The crackdown was ordered after studies showed motorists were four times more likely to be involved in an accident while on the phone.