(Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to curb the use of car telephones by car drivers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Telephones.
12.
I have no plans at present to make regulations in respect of the use of car telephones by car drivers. However, a new "Rules of the Road" booklet, now in course of preparation, will advise motorists not to use hand held telephones while vehicles are in motion.
While I am not aware of any evidence of road accidents being caused by the use of car telephones I will keep the matter under review in the light of any relevant data emerging from road accident statistics or Garda accident reports.
If a driver's use of a telephone causes an accident the driver may be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention. On conviction, the driver would be liable to a maximum fine of £350 or a maximum prison term of three months or both and for a third or subsequent offence in any period of three years, a mandatory disqualification from driving for a period of not less than six months.
In the absence of Deputy Browne, who sustained an injury, I welcome Minister Harney's indication that general guidelines will be set down in relation to the usage of car telephones. Will the Minister agree that where drivers must have recourse to a car telephone — particularly on dual carriageways — they should be compelled to pull in to the side of the road until they complete the conversation?
Yes, consideration may be given to that. However, Bord Telecom have supplied 10,000 car telephones and 35 per cent of these are attached to the vehicle. Of that number 80 per cent can be used without recourse to the mobile hand instrument. Therefore, many motorists are able to use these telephones without using the hand apparatus. However, I agree there is a need to review the legislation in this regard and that will be done if it is found necessary.
Is it proposed to have regard to legislation prevailing in other countries in Europe and the United States where there is a prolific use of mobile car telephones and where they have been in use for a number of years?
The use of mobile telephones is a matter for the Department of Communications. However, there is no legislation covering mobile car telephones in any EC country.