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By Jon Bernstein, 21 August 2002 14:45

NEWS Yesterday the government began a 12-week consultation into new laws designed to clamp down on mobile phone use in cars. As we reported here(http://www.silicon.com/a55186) drivers face points on the their licence and the possibility that their bosses will get prosecuted too. We conducted a little consultation of our own by asking you, our readers, what you thought of the plans. Here's the pick of the response: Good news
The problem with the existing law is that it does not carry penalty points, so a driver can commit repeated offences, and only get fined, but not banned. The new proposal redresses this problem - professional drivers can't afford to get banned.
Don Grunbaum Good news (2)
At last a law that can save lives. We all know that mobiles are a distraction to driving and now we have to admit it to ourselves. How many times have you looked down to the telephone only to look up to the road and find you are closer to the car in front?
Name Withheld But where will it end?
In essence a very good thing and about time too. However, I heard on the radio that it could be extended to eating, drinking and smoking. What will be next - tuning the radio or changing the tape or even picking your nose?
The powers that be should be watched closely so that they cannot add more and more to this good thing without proper consultation with motoring bodies.
John Gordon Handsfree Alternative
Apart from the obvious policing issues with the introduction of new laws, I think it's a good idea. The majority of Mobiles can support a hands free device of some description, and are relatively cheap to buy (compared with points and fines). Mobile companies could even cleanup with the increase in handsfree kits being purchased.
Paul Challis Hands-not so-free
Does the law include earpieces as handsfree kits? To buy and install a car kit is certainly not cheap. Many people (myself included) change their handsets frequently. As you have virtually have to buy (and install) a new car kit every time you change your handset the cost is prohibitive! And even if you have a car kit installed, you still have to look at the phone to answer the call!
Jenni Smith Law enforcement?
The government can make as many laws regarding driving as they like, but, due to the fact that there are so few police on our roads to enforce them, these laws will have minimal effect. The lunatic driver and the mobile phone addict will seldom be caught. Only the speeding motorist is caught - because we have more cameras than police on our roads. At least if there were more police they could warn drivers of the dangers of using phones and persuade them to be more responsible - not just make a law against it so that getting caught is just luck. Lets aim for responsible policing - not just authoritarian policing which leads to alienation!
Mike Denyer