Vol. 501 No. 4
52 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will intro duce a penalty for the use by motorists while driving of hand held phones in the context of new road safety measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6176/99]
The Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 indicated that, in common with a majority of EU member states, the Government does not propose at this stage to regulate for a specific prohibition on the use of mobile phones by drivers. The safe use of mobile phones by drivers will be promoted under the Government strategy through information campaigns and sponsorship will be sought from the mobile phone industry for this purpose.
Notwithstanding the absence of a specific prohibition, use of mobile phone which causes a driver to act in a manner which could be regarded as dangerous or careless may be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Acts.
