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New Road Signs Detect Phone Signals And Warn Drivers Not To Use Mobiles

New Road Signs Detect Phone Signals And Warn Drivers Not To Use Mobiles

They've been developed as part of a partnership between Norfolk County Council's Road Safety Team and the sign technology company Westcotec

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

We can all agree that when you're driving your full attention should be on the road. That includes not being on your phone. Hell, it's even against the law now. Just get off it, or get fined.

Well, now there are going to be road signs positioned around parts of the country to catch out motorists who still think it's OK to talk or use their phone whilst they are on the road.

Don't worry, they won't be able to catch you, record your registration number, and fine you - perhaps unfortunately - but they will be able to warn you that they know you're on it.

It can only be a matter of time before they figure out a way to catch you, so it's better for everyone if you just stop now.

Norfolk County Council

The first of three signs (each costing around £6,000) are to be introduced today on the roads around Norwich, Norfolk.

The signs can detect the signal sent from a handset that is inside a car - don't ask me how, but they can.

If you go past whilst your phone is transmitting signal, the light will come on warning you to get off your phone, and alerting other drivers around you to the fact that you might be breaking the law.

They can't actually tell whether you're on it or not, but they're intended as a warning of the dangers of using a phone whilst in control of a car.

They've been developed as part of a partnership between Norfolk County Council's Road Safety Team and the sign technology company Westcotec.

Norfolk County Coucil

While - as mentioned - they can't actually fine you yet, they are collecting data on you, and providing the authorities with that data to work out where the hotspots for mobile phone usage are.

Chris Spinks, from the marketing team of Westcotec, said: "The aim of the technology is to remind drivers of the law and to get off their phones.

"Being a local company, we're delighted to be able to trial this technology first in Norfolk. "We are glad to assist Norfolk County Council in promoting awareness about the dangers of mobile phone use in the car."

If you're caught using your phone whilst driving you're in for six points on your license, as well as a £200 fine, so it's just not worth it.

PA

Inspector John Chapman, who works for Norfolk Roads Policing Unit, said: "We will be using the information to help us target drivers in the future but the message is simple - leave your phone alone whilst you're behind the wheel.

"Using a phone at the wheel is one of the fatal four road offences which can have devastating consequences if it causes a fatal or serious collision."

Just get a hands free kit, eh? It's not worth it.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Police, News, Mobile Phone, UK, Traffic