From 27th February 2007, ladies who drive while using a hand-held mobile will face losing their cheap car insurance if they are caught by police.
Kent Police have issued a warning that from now on, drivers spotted with a hand held mobile will be given a £60 fine and three points on their licence, even if they are stopped at traffic lights or moving slowly in queuing traffic.
Statistics from 2006 show that the Kent Police force is dedicated to cracking down on this offence, as more than 4,000 tickets were issued by them in that year.
The police state that the reason they are so tough on mobile users is the danger that they present to themselves and other road users. They cite research which shows motorists using a hand held mobile are more dangerous than drink drivers, as their reaction time is seriously compromised.
It is hoped that these new regulations will significantly reduce the number of casualties on Kent's roads, as up to 5% of serious accidents are believed to involve hand-held mobile users.
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: "Kent Police will not tolerate motorists who continue to flout the law and drivers can now additionally expect three points on their licence and a £60 fine if caught.
He went on to inform motorists of the impact that these points could have on their cheap car insurance premiums, as motor insurance companies will be taking the offence seriously.
He added: "As police officers we see first hand the devastation caused by vehicle owners who have been distracted when using their mobile phone.
"We hope these tougher penalties will make drivers think twice before they text or make or answer a call behind the wheel."
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