Blanket ban on mobile phone use in vehicles ‘needs careful thought’

Added: 14 August 2019

“For years we have condemned the use of hand-held devices but, for truckers, it is essential that they are able to be contacted and can make contact with their base or their customers,” RHA Chief Executive Richard Burnett said.

“We totally agree that drivers should not touch their phone while driving – put it in the glove box and forget it.  But voice-activated devices, as fitted in the majority of vehicles, make communication safe and viable.”

Pointing out that the haulage industry is time critical and that increasing levels of congestion on the road network mean that communication is more important than ever, he said it was vital that drivers can stay in touch: “The vast majority of UK manufacturing plants now rely on just-in-time deliveries.  Taking away the ability for drivers to keep in touch could seriously effect of production times.”

He added: “Once regarded as a luxury, a hand-free kit is now standard equipment in vehicles. If such a ban were to be put in place, how would it be enforced?  This is a proposal that needs extremely careful consideration.”

Article Author - Ignition - August 2019 

https://www.rha.uk.net/