Drivers could face tougher penalties for mobile phone use

By David Hunter

Drivers in Northern Ireland could soon face tougher fines and more penalty points if they're caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel. 

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon wants to toughen up legislation.

It's after research for her department found that more than half of all drivers admitted using their smart devices on the roads. 

She says the current £60 fine and three points could increase to £200 and as many as six points.

That would bring Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the UK. 

The Departmental research also found that over 50% of motorists supported tougher laws. 

“Many of the actions taken within my Department to improve road safety fall out of the current Road Safety Strategy" she said.

"The current Strategy expires in December and work has begun within my Department that will help inform my decisions on the current strategy’s successor later in the year.

"In the meantime, I want to take any steps possible to support the continued reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads."

The Minister has written to the Committee for Infrastructure outlining a number of legislative priorities.

"This would be a first step to signal to drivers that I will be taking a zero tolerance approach to dangerous driving" she said.