Employers could face fines of £2,500 if staff are caught using mobile phones
while driving on company business.
New laws coming in at the start of December outlaw the use of hand-held
mobile devices such as phones and computers and bosses forcing staff to break
the rules could face charges.
Guidelines from the Department of Transport advise employers to ban the use
of mobile phones while driving on company business to remove any confusion.
In addition to individual prosecutions the amendments to the Road Vehicles
(construction and use) Regulations 1986 state that anyone who "causes or
permits any other person to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving"
will also be liable for a fine.
Drivers caught breaking the new rules will receive a £30 fine which is set
to rise £60 and three penalty points soon.
For advice on how to draw up a policy on mobile phones GO TO www.personneltoday.com/policyguides
