Do your staff use a mobile telephone to keep in contact while on the road? Word your calls policy carefully

  • From 1 December 2003 using a phone while driving will be an offence

  • An employer will be liable if it asks employees to answer calls while driving

  • Differentiation will not be made between hands free or handheld devices. It is the activity needed to use a phone that is illegal

  • The offence stands if the vehicle is stopped but the engine still running

  • The offence applies to all mechanically propelled vehicles, including bikes

  • Fines range from £30-2500 plus licence points

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

Charles Arrand is an associate in the regulatory group at DLA.