A consultation has been launched to strengthen the laws around the use of a mobile phone whilst in charge of a vehicle on the road.   Laws exist to stop drivers using mobile phones already, however, technology has moved on since the laws were created and now has loopholes which can be used to escape punishment from using a mobile device. Under the current system, you can be punished for using an “interactive communication” device, however if the police can’t prove you were communicating it’s been possible for some drivers to avoid prosecution. Under the current law taking pictures, shuffling through music or even playing games could escape prosecution. Under new proposals simply picking up a phone (or any mobile device) while at the wheel will land you with a £100 fine and 6 penalty points on your driving licence. Exemptions will still exist for contactless payments or phoning the emergency services. The proposed new law will make it easier for drivers to be prosecuted by the police and will improve road safety. The consultation runs to 17 January 2021 and you can have your say at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations. With more prosecutions likely it is vital that road transport operators have a robust process and a system in place for checking drivers’ licences. The best way to do that is with a service such as SmartLicence where the frequency of licence checks with the DVLA is determined by the risk profile of a driver. The more points on a licence the more frequent the checks. Plus you get automated alerts to issues that need your attention such as new points. With driver shortages and increased demand for home delivery operators need to proactively manage the risk with their drivers so there are no surprises and plans can be made to mitigate risks. Get a quote for SmartLicence for your drivers today.