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Jim Fitzpatrick, the transport minister, has intimated that a complete ban on mobile phones while driving could be in store for Car Finance customers and other motorists.
Although Mr Fitzpatrick refused to give a definite answer on the issue, he did not rule out the possibility, especially if reports and statistics continue to suggest that talking on the phone behind the wheel is a hazard.
He told Fleet News that mobile phone usage in cars could soon be as taboo as drink-driving. In fact, the Transport Research Laboratory has suggested that using a phone is actually more dangerous.
"In terms of road safety and our commitment to help cut the number of deaths and serious injuries, we would never exclude anything ultimately from being examined," he stated.
"The government is currently advising van drivers not to use hands-free phones while on the road as part of its Think! campaign, which focuses on safety while driving for work."
According to the Department for Transport, a the reaction times of Car Credit customers and other drivers are up to 50 per cent slower when speaking on a mobile phone.
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