Essex Police is reminding motorists that new Government legislation, which sees the use of a mobile phone become illegal while driving, comes into effect on Monday.

Drivers who use their mobile phones, other than to contact emergency services, will be subject to a £30 fine that could increase to £1,000, with lorry and bus drivers liable to a maximum fine of £2,500.

The new legislation is an addition to the Road Vehicles Regulations Act 1988, and up until now, officers have been attempting to eradicate such manners of careless driving using powers already available to them under the Road Traffic Act.

Road policing operations manager Chief Insp Tom Diment said: "The government has introduced this new piece of legislation in a bid to have an impact on reducing the number of road crashes. Officers have always been committed to ensuring the county's roads remain safe for everyone and they will continue to do so."

Employers are also reminded that they will also commit offences if they require staff to use mobile phones while driving.

Chief Insp Diment added: "If you are driving, then either switch your mobile off or place it on automatic divert to voicemail. However, be reminded that you do need to be in total control of your vehicle otherwise you will be committing an offence."

Published Wednesday November 26, 2003

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle