Vol. 541 No. 2
662 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he will take to regulate the use of mobile phones by people when they are driving; and if his Department's attention has been drawn to a number of studies (details supplied). [21001/01]
671 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to ban the use of mobile phones while driving cars. [21042/01]
721 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he intends to introduce legislation or regulations prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. [21918/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 662, 671 and 721 together.
The Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002 indicated that, in common with a majority of EU member states, the Government did not propose at that stage to regulate for a specific prohibition on the use of mobile phones by drivers. The safe use of mobile phones by drivers was instead to be promoted through information campaigns, including campaigns supported by the mobile phone industry. Initiatives in this regard have been duly developed.
However, additional considerations such as the greatly increased market penetration of mobile phones and growing concerns about the possible adverse effects on road safety when they are used inappropriately, have also arisen since the strategy was adopted. I am therefore now considering the regulation of their use by drivers and have asked the high level group on road safety for a view on what could constitute appropriate measures.
