PITSTONE PARISH COUNCIL

9 Warwick Road, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9FE
Tel: 01296 767261.  Email: parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk
Facebook: “Pitstone Parish Council” and “Pitstone Youth”
Twitter: @pitstone_pc    Web: www.pitstone.co.uk

Pitstone Community Car Scheme

USE OF MOBILE PHONES WHEN DRIVING POLICY

Legal status on the use of mobile phones when driving

•	It’s illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle.
•	The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
•	It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.
•	You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. 
•	The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted. 
•	This includes if you’re using devices like a sat nav or car radio.   If you are using the sat nav facility or app on your mobile phone for directions to a client’s home or the location of the medical facilities required, your phone must be secured into a hands-free cradle and must be in hands-free operation.
When you can use a phone in your vehicle

If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you:
•	need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
•	are safely parked.
Penalties for using your phone while driving

•	You could get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200.
•	Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. (Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.)
•	For more information check the government website: https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law 

The Pitstone Community Car Scheme will not be held responsible for any fines etc incurred by volunteer drivers during their service.  It is the responsibility of all volunteers to ensure that they are operating within the law by finding a safe place to park their vehicle before operating any mobile phone/device.
Review

This Policy was adopted by Pitstone Parish Council on ..............................................  

minute reference ..................................................... and will be reviewed on at least an annual basis.

Signed on behalf of Pitstone Parish Council by:

___________________________________________
Chairman