Today the Government has introduced much tougher penalties for drivers who text or use their mobile phones while driving.
Eddie & Kath want to hear from you. Are you clear on what the new regulations say? Does the sight of drivers using mobiles anger you?
Phone the show on 020 7224 2000 or Text 07786 200 949 or you can email - eddieandkath@bbc.co.uk What are the new regulations?
New legislation to increase the penalty for using a hand-held phone whilst driving will come into force on 27 February 2007. The current fine of 拢30 will increase to 拢60.
Along side the increased on the spot fine three penalty points will be put on your licence. Penalty points can mean higher insurance costs. If you get six points within two years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit the test.
If the case goes to court, you could risk a maximum fine of 拢1,000, which rises to 拢2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.
A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if you are not in proper control of your vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - 拢60 fine and three points on your licence.
 | | Eddie and Kath |
If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle. The law also makes it clear that callers also play an important role in keeping the roads safe. The Government advice that if the person you are speaking to is driving, please terminate the call and arrange to speak to them later.
Are there any exceptions?
A driver may call 999 or 112 in response to a genuine emergency.
Two-way radios are not covered by this offence but other devices for sending or receiving data are included if they are held while driving, i.e a PDA, Blackberry or similar device. | 
