I cant believe it

[hackbike 666]

Mobile use is on the up, and there is far to much for the police to deal with, what gets my goat is that it (mobile use while driving) is as socially bad as drink driving, hovever people still do it, and see nothing wrong with it. The increase in smart phones i think has made this worse, as your potentially always connected to facebook, twitter ect some people are afraid to let it go for an hour.

Funny how people do it to suit themselves and sod every one else.

I've come across some right dodgy driving and poor positioning due to blasted mobile phone users.Hate the firkin things.

 

[Vikeonabike]

Catching drivers on mobiles is almost impossible if you are in a marked police car..even the most inattentive of drivers tends to see a car with huge Blue and Yellow squares on it before the officer gets near enough too see. However if that officer happens to be riding a black off road motorbike that isn't covered in blue and yellow squares the likelihood of getting caught goes up 10 fold. I've gone through another ticket book in the last 6 weeks and haven't been out much.
Cyclist using mobiles...depending on the situation, can be dealt with under reckless cycling or careless and inconsiderate cycling. Sections 28 and 29 of the RTA.
The definition of a road in England and Wales is ‘any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges over which a road passes’ (RTA 1988 sect 192(1)). References to ‘road’ therefore generally include footpaths, bridleways and cycle tracks, and many roadways and driveways on private land (including many car parks)
Oh happy hunting for me this summer!

 

[Vikeonabike]

I think there's been a few cases where the Police have contacted the operator to determine that the driver was on the phone, I'm not sure how that works with handsfree though

Although using a mobile hands free is not illegal, if it can be proved that the driver was distracted (ie domestic with Mrs etc) whilst driving then that could be used as proof of certain offences!

 

[hydridmatt]

Sorry, I disagree with HJ and Marininyork; we don't cycle in a vacuum - everything we do impacts on others - which means if we don't control our bikes we can cause cars around us to crash which can do real damage. As a example, I once saw a car swerve into oncoming traffic and have a head-on collision to avoid a ped (on their mobile) who just stepped off the curb. Could the ped hurt anyone if his phone use caused him to hit them? No. But the consequences of his actions impacted on all those around him.

But I also think there is a wider issue. A lot of problems I have on the bike stem from drivers not respecting cyclists. As I feel I have an equal right to the road space (and will heatedly argue the point if it comes to it), I feel I have a similar responsibility to ensure the safety of those around me. If its distracting for a driver (and we all know it is) the effect on me is probably similar.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I believe there should be a private company set up, in unmarked vehicles, with video and digital stills cameras. They then can film and catch evidence of mobile phone use, and be paid a small part of the resulting fine.

 

[Vikeonabike]

I believe there should be a private company set up, in unmarked vehicles, with video and digital stills cameras. They then can film and catch evidence of mobile phone use, and be paid a small part of the resulting fine.

CP......That's controversial, however it could be something taken on by VOSA or extend the powers of the Road Traffic Safety Partnership who operate the GATOs