Although there are exact legal principles to ban using mobile phones when driving, the enforcement is difficult and it remains a serious concern among citizens in Wales.
The UK government claimed that using mobile phones whilst driving is illegal in the UK and this action is also banned when drivers are waiting for traffic lights or queuing in traffic. If drivers break the law, they will get 3 penalty points on their licence and a fine from £100 to £1,000, and the fine is top to £2,500 for buses and goods delivery drivers. For new drivers, they would lose their licence if they gain 6 or more penalty points within 2 years after passing their test.
Marilyn, 70, retired, said “The law has already banned it, but obviously people still using their mobile phone when driving. I think penalties should be tougher, such as a bigger fine. As long as you are caught you should be punished even though it is the first time. Warning is not tough enough to raise people’s awareness.”
Chelsea, 18, waitress, mentioned besides imposing a fine, education is also important.
“Make sure everyone should know the after effects. Organizing volunteers to educate people to aware the seriousness of this issue.”
Alys, 18, student, said “It is an irresponsible and quite dangerous action. I think if it is the first time, just giving a warning is fine, but after that they should be punished by a fine like 500 pounds. If 5 or more times, they should be sent to jail.”
Russell Davis, 43, an engineer, said “I know technology to fix this problem has applied for new cars, but I think every cars should be applied, not optional but compulsory. A fine is ok, but sending to jail is too tough.”
Mr Hidson, 67, retired architect, said “I bought a new car and it has a headphone, but people hold mobile on their hand, this is bad.”
Mrs Hidson, 64, retired ticket designer, added “new cars now have the technology to fix this problem. It designed as part of the car, so you do not have to touch you can just talk. It could be ok, but I think text should be banned because you got concentrate on the road, you cannot text at the same time.”
“I think it could be a good idea to set up a course to tell people why it is bad idea to split your concentration, so it is not just a fine, giving money and then you carry on.”
“So I think there should be a course like speeding course. Instead of getting points on your licence, you could have an alternative choice to go to the course without getting the points. People have a choice, they can choose get points, but most people do not want to get points on their licence, so this would be encouraged them to go to the course.”
“Everybody knows the rules, but they just ignore it, educating may not work.”