By Natasha Lomas, 9 May 2008 12:48
NEWS
Music blaring out of mobiles and conversations so loud that everyone in the train carriage is forced to listen are just two of the mobile habits that are getting on the UK's wick.
So much ire is being generated by mobile use that some Brits believe offending users should be slapped with ASBOs.
A survey of more than 2,000 UK adults found the top five pet hates are: people talking loudly on the phone; a person texting while talking to them; loud music being played on phones; using a phone in a restaurant; and swearing on the phone in public.
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The survey, which was carried out by moneysupermarket.com, also found more than half of respondents are against mobile use on planes - flying in the face of European Commission moves to bring mobile calls to European flights. UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has also given its approval to the tech.
More than half of respondents said they believe inconsiderate use of mobiles in public should be punished - with the most popular option being a 12-month ban on using their phone in public. But one in 10 respondents went further, suggesting offending mobile users should be given ASBOs.
Men are less tolerant than women, according to the survey, with almost two-thirds vying for harsh penalties to be introduced, compared to less than half of women.
Comments
There are 6 comments. Join the discussion
1. Neill Shenton
The headline should read '200 Brits need to get some perspective'.
2. Chris Stevens
Whilst you are not allowed in the UK to have mobile phone jammers to protect your peace and quiet, it seems that intrusive use of mobile phones is acceptable.
It is strange how people cannot live without their mobile phones and Blackberry's. I'm fairly sure that only 10% of the calls are for actual need of contact at that location and time.
As for Blackberry's they are just another excuse for people to send emails which are not really necessary. A useful tool for employers to confirm their need to treat employees as Serfs.
3. anonymous
An interesting statistic is 85% of people who took this survey completed it via mobile phone whilst driving to work.
4. Simon
We don't need any new laws, as usual, we already have existing laws that could be used. And as usual, the existing laws aren't used because they are "too cumbersome", you know, actually allowing the defendant to argue a defence ! Much better to bring in new civil penalties that can be imposed without all that troublesome "go to court and produce evidence" palaver.
5. anonymous
Another annoying habit people have is writing long text messages with a phone that beeps. They need to learn how to turn off the keyclick!!
6. Richard Marshall
In the old days you could fly Smoking or Non-Smoking... with the smokers relegated to the back next to the loo.
Isn't it time to revive this two tier system if mobile phone usage is to rear its ugly, boorish shaved head in passenger aircraft?
Anybody wanting to use a mobile in flight must state their intention at check-in and will consequently be seated at the back of the plane with the rest of the self-important morons shouting into their blingfones (TM).
Of course non-phone using latecomers will have to sit in the peripheral "chatter zone" and endure the second hand audio smog emanating from two dozen chavs and "businessmen" (which serves them right for holding up the rest of us!).
To add extra piquancy I suggest the phone-user seats be slightly too small, upholstered in imitation Burberry and with no legroom to speak of. Now that'll give them something to phone Sharon about: "I'm on the plane... no the PLANE... yeah an I fink I've got a DVT... no luv, I said DV...T!"