Crack down on phone using drivers (From Daily Echo)

Can the police do this on Mays Lane/Peak Lane in Fareham northbound on a Monday morning ... about 0645 please?
It's a van drivers mobile phone paradise and they don't care whether it's icy, dark, foggy, wet or all four!

Not before time, I have lost count of the number of times I have seen people driving whilst on their mobile in Totton.
They should lose their license, it is as bad as drink driving.
Of course speed cameras only catch one type of offender and they make money a lot quicker

geoff51 wrote:
Not before time, I have lost count of the number of times I have seen people driving whilst on their mobile in Totton. They should lose their license, it is as bad as drink driving. Of course speed cameras only catch one type of offender and they make money a lot quicker

Nice one Geoff
Stop those cretins coming out through Cadnam in their hot-hatches, baseball caps and loud music.
Every day I feel that this village is getting nearer to the city, or the city is threatening our tranquility.

There should be a text number where people could send photos of drivers using their phones. Discuss.

I'm with Brite Spark, Warness and Geoff on this. More should be getting done to stop this ludicrous practice.

Firstly - Why is it that just 2 of the emergency services are taking an active role on this. Don't the ambulance service care?

Secondly - The usage of a mobile phone behind the wheel is more dangerous to other road users then not wearing a seat belt. Anyone who is found using their phone should not be offered this course and should automatically get an on the spot fine and 6 points on their licence. More work needs to be done in punishing these groups of people.

bigronthestaff wrote:
There should be a text number where people could send photos of drivers using their phones. Discuss.

I'm with Brite Spark, Warness and Geoff on this. More should be getting done to stop this ludicrous practice.

Trouble is Bigronthestaff, I tend to see them when I am driving in the opposite direction, therefore I am unable to take a pic. Surely a police spotter at one end of the road, preferably in an unmarked car, could tip off his colleagues half a mile along the road that an idiot was on his way for them to intercept.

Brite Spark wrote:

bigronthestaff wrote: There should be a text number where people could send photos of drivers using their phones. Discuss. I'm with Brite Spark, Warness and Geoff on this. More should be getting done to stop this ludicrous practice.

Trouble is Bigronthestaff, I tend to see them when I am driving in the opposite direction, therefore I am unable to take a pic. Surely a police spotter at one end of the road, preferably in an unmarked car, could tip off his colleagues half a mile along the road that an idiot was on his way for them to intercept.

Yeah, I think perhaps I should clear something up!!! I don't mean taking photos if you're driving!!! =) Kind of beats the object of what we're trying to acheive!! I should have said 'There should be a text number where PEDESTRIANS could send......etc. Sorry for the confusion.

A Police spotter would be a sensible move but I'm sure there would be financial constraints on the Police force regarding an officer just stood on a street corner on the off-chance a driver on the phone is seen. Top idea though. I'd do it for free!!

I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents.
Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

attach a hidden camera on the front and rear of your car and press record soon as you leave your house and stop it when you get out of the car OR push a button on the dash board to start/stop when you seen some one offending... simples ;) !!!

Stykxx wrote:
I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

The problem with, 'nasty, evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone' is that, if they are on the phone, they become nasty, evil MURDERERS. Let's hope that none of these 'nasty, evil' people come into contact with any of your family because an informant (GRASS) may be just the thing you need to bring them to justice. Or is that different, somehow?

bigronthestaff wrote:

Stykxx wrote: I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

The problem with, 'nasty, evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone' is that, if they are on the phone, they become nasty, evil MURDERERS. Let's hope that none of these 'nasty, evil' people come into contact with any of your family because an informant (GRASS) may be just the thing you need to bring them to justice. Or is that different, somehow?

I'm with you bigronthestaff - the fact is these "nasty evil people" should be concentrating on the road not on the next text or call. I saw the accident where a lorry driver wa playing with his phone and didn't see the small car in front slow down in traffic... Guess what - he hit it - crushed the car and robbed 2 innocent young girls of their bright futures. So that's why people are concerned and I don't really see the issue with telling the Police if someone has committed a crime - it's called justice and it's what decent people believe in.

No photo needed.
Spot the vehicle. SCC, HCC, any company.
Remember where, remember when, remember 3 digits from the numberplate.
Contact the boss - as high up as possible.
The companies all have real time logs of where their vehicles are.
All phone companies know where and when the phones are in use.

There is no excuse.
You use a mobile while driving for work
you lose your licence and your job
simple.
It will stop.

GRASS ???
Is this a 1970's episode of Minder?

Stynxx, the community needs everyone to report crimes to the police. Your attitude is immature and comes from a culture unwelcome anywhere near decent people.

Stykxx wrote:
I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents.
Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

Nasty 4 car crash this evening in Owlesbury, I hope no innocents have been injured by an ignorant driver using their mobile, (perhaps on the way home from the pub), instead of concentrating on what they are supposed to be doing.

bigronthestaff wrote:

Stykxx wrote:
I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

The problem with, 'nasty, evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone' is that, if they are on the phone, they become nasty, evil MURDERERS. Let's hope that none of these 'nasty, evil' people come into contact with any of your family because an informant (GRASS) may be just the thing you need to bring them to justice. Or is that different, somehow?

So it is only if they are on a phone they become murderers. A driver that causes a death due to an act of poor driving whilst not using a phone is what then .... just a bit clumsy.
As for ' these nasty, evil people coming into contact with my family' , rest assured that whether they were on a phone or not would be of no consequence to me. Therefore i would not be relying on an informant to help me decide whether to deal with them as a murderer or just someone who is a bit clumsy. I would punish them for the end result with no consideration being given as to how they achieved it.

Stykxx wrote:

bigronthestaff wrote:

Stykxx wrote: I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

The problem with, 'nasty, evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone' is that, if they are on the phone, they become nasty, evil MURDERERS. Let's hope that none of these 'nasty, evil' people come into contact with any of your family because an informant (GRASS) may be just the thing you need to bring them to justice. Or is that different, somehow?

So it is only if they are on a phone they become murderers. A driver that causes a death due to an act of poor driving whilst not using a phone is what then .... just a bit clumsy. As for ' these nasty, evil people coming into contact with my family' , rest assured that whether they were on a phone or not would be of no consequence to me. Therefore i would not be relying on an informant to help me decide whether to deal with them as a murderer or just someone who is a bit clumsy. I would punish them for the end result with no consideration being given as to how they achieved it.

Anyone killing anyone else in a car, howsoever caused, is either a murderer or guilty of manslaughter, conceded but, as the story is about BEING ON a phone whilst driving, I thought it was obvious what was being said.

Urr indoors been fitted up by a GRASS?

Ees BANG out of order

Your nicked sunshine

Quick - Stynxx - get my brief on the old dog&bone. I'm not goin down for this

Stykxx wrote:
I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

What an utterly ignorant, arrogant, ridiculous contribution to this issue, you've made here! It's just as well one can't but help spot these 'Nasty, Evil people', when out on the road - FORTUNATELY! And it's people like YOU, who would rather we didn't report this type of dangerous moron, whose failure to do so, would probably through their wilful (I would go so far as to say, criminally neglectful) inaction keep the likes of all sorts of law breakers, no doubt some very unsavoury ones too, from justice! It would be so interesting to see how you'd feel if you had lost someone through criminal mobile 'phone use! Are you a supporter of criminal types then? I mean it's precisely those people who would use the word 'GRASSES' in the context in which you have! Try indulging in a little REALITY and community RESPONSIBILITY once in a while, will you?!

If fewer people found the need to be constantly on the phone whilst driving this wouldn't be a relevant debate in the first place

Condor Man wrote:
If fewer people found the need to be constantly on the phone whilst driving this wouldn't be a relevant debate in the first place

And how do you propose we attain this reduced "need"?
I mean, you are stating the bleedin' obvious, aren't you?

freefinker wrote:

Condor Man wrote: If fewer people found the need to be constantly on the phone whilst driving this wouldn't be a relevant debate in the first place

And how do you propose we attain this reduced "need"? I mean, you are stating the bleedin' obvious, aren't you?

If fewer people found the need to consume 4000 calories per day, we wouldn't be subsidising fatty clinics

Scrutinizer wrote:

Stykxx wrote:
I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

What an utterly ignorant, arrogant, ridiculous contribution to this issue, you've made here! It's just as well one can't but help spot these 'Nasty, Evil people', when out on the road - FORTUNATELY! And it's people like YOU, who would rather we didn't report this type of dangerous moron, whose failure to do so, would probably through their wilful (I would go so far as to say, criminally neglectful) inaction keep the likes of all sorts of law breakers, no doubt some very unsavoury ones too, from justice! It would be so interesting to see how you'd feel if you had lost someone through criminal mobile 'phone use! Are you a supporter of criminal types then? I mean it's precisely those people who would use the word 'GRASSES' in the context in which you have! Try indulging in a little REALITY and community RESPONSIBILITY once in a while, will you?!

'Try indulging in a little REALITY and community RESPONSIBILITY once in a while, will you?!'
Why only a little reality, how about some big reality.
1. Some people will forever continue to use their phones whilst driving.
2. Some people will always transgress the speed limit at some point.
3. As long as we have motor vehicles we will have accidents. (there were many accidents before mobile phones were invented)

As for 'Community RESPOSIBILITY' if i heard murderous screams anywhere in my vacinity i would be the first to investigate and help anyone in danger, unlike the neighbours recently in Totton and Isle of Wight murder cases who thought they would wait and see. I suppose it is fine to pick and choose which bits of community resposibility you wish to champion. Pick the safe and easy ones and sit back feeling proud of yourself. Some community.

'Am i a supporter of criminal types'. No, i am a supporter of the Police doing their job .

'It would be so interesting to see how you'd feel if you had lost someone through criminal mobile 'phone use! ' Do you really believe it would be worse than losing someone to a driver not on the phone. You statement would imply the death of a loved one in road traffic accident is so much easier to deal with as long as the driver was not on the phone.

And finally you call my contribution utterly ignorant, arrogant and ridiculous yet then continue that you would find it ' SO INTERESTING ' to see how i would deal with the death of a loved one. Strange what some people find interesting.

I recently saw a bloke driving a van in Salisbury Road Totton steering the van with his elbows while talking on his mobile and with a cigarette in the other hand. What a pratt. Lets not ****-foot around with a £60 fine if thats what it is now, why not put a £1000 fine on anyone caught using a mobile and see if that cuts the numbers down of these irresponsible, could'nt careless drivers.

Whilst I fully agree that people should not use their phones whilst they drive and applaud the police for cracking down on this I also have a question that somebody might be able to answer.

If it is dangerous to be on the phone whilst you are driving how come it is okay to smoke a cigarette whilst you drive? If you are stupid enough to be on the phone whilst you are driving you are not concentrating on the road 100%. Is this not exectly the same for smoking a cigarette!

Discuss.

victor meldrew,totton wrote:
I recently saw a bloke driving a van in Salisbury Road Totton steering the van with his elbows while talking on his mobile and with a cigarette in the other hand. What a pratt. Lets not ****-foot around with a £60 fine if thats what it is now, why not put a £1000 fine on anyone caught using a mobile and see if that cuts the numbers down of these irresponsible, could'nt careless drivers.

Here! Here! Well said there! Or better still, 36 months on the rock pile, with bread and water as a special privilege - once a month? Or is that being a little too generous?!

If you need to use a phone whilst driving, then you should have a proper fully fitted hands free kit, for phone calls only..........

I agree with a crackdown and educating offenders I am and always will be against revenue building offenses, ie speed cameras in pathetic places, being fined for dropping a sweet wrapper etc etc.

SFC Scott wrote:
Whilst I fully agree that people should not use their phones whilst they drive and applaud the police for cracking down on this I also have a question that somebody might be able to answer. If it is dangerous to be on the phone whilst you are driving how come it is okay to smoke a cigarette whilst you drive? If you are stupid enough to be on the phone whilst you are driving you are not concentrating on the road 100%. Is this not exectly the same for smoking a cigarette! Discuss.

Yes, indeed it is old chap. And it's even more **** stupid if the blighters are smoking and using their mobile 'phones in BOTH hands at the same time too! Morons that there are about, it wouldn't surprise me if there are some who'd actually do that too!

Stykxx wrote:

Scrutinizer wrote:

Stykxx wrote: I think if certain people spent more time concentrating on their driving skills rather than being on the constant look out for Nasty, Evil people who may or may not be conversing on a mobile phone then we would in all probability see a far greater decrease in road traffic accidents. Who needs C.C.T.V when we appear to live in a society filled with prospective Police informers, otherwise known as 'GRASSES'.

What an utterly ignorant, arrogant, ridiculous contribution to this issue, you've made here! It's just as well one can't but help spot these 'Nasty, Evil people', when out on the road - FORTUNATELY! And it's people like YOU, who would rather we didn't report this type of dangerous moron, whose failure to do so, would probably through their wilful (I would go so far as to say, criminally neglectful) inaction keep the likes of all sorts of law breakers, no doubt some very unsavoury ones too, from justice! It would be so interesting to see how you'd feel if you had lost someone through criminal mobile 'phone use! Are you a supporter of criminal types then? I mean it's precisely those people who would use the word 'GRASSES' in the context in which you have! Try indulging in a little REALITY and community RESPONSIBILITY once in a while, will you?!

'Try indulging in a little REALITY and community RESPONSIBILITY once in a while, will you?!' Why only a little reality, how about some big reality. 1. Some people will forever continue to use their phones whilst driving. 2. Some people will always transgress the speed limit at some point. 3. As long as we have motor vehicles we will have accidents. (there were many accidents before mobile phones were invented) As for 'Community RESPOSIBILITY' if i heard murderous screams anywhere in my vacinity i would be the first to investigate and help anyone in danger, unlike the neighbours recently in Totton and Isle of Wight murder cases who thought they would wait and see. I suppose it is fine to pick and choose which bits of community resposibility you wish to champion. Pick the safe and easy ones and sit back feeling proud of yourself. Some community. 'Am i a supporter of criminal types'. No, i am a supporter of the Police doing their job . 'It would be so interesting to see how you'd feel if you had lost someone through criminal mobile 'phone use! ' Do you really believe it would be worse than losing someone to a driver not on the phone. You statement would imply the death of a loved one in road traffic accident is so much easier to deal with as long as the driver was not on the phone. And finally you call my contribution utterly ignorant, arrogant and ridiculous yet then continue that you would find it ' SO INTERESTING ' to see how i would deal with the death of a loved one. Strange what some people find interesting.

No, what I am not just implying, but am actually saying as an out and out accusation to you, is this, re. your previous comment, your ignorance and arrogance betrays your lack of responsibility and indeed your apparent sympathy for the misuse of mobile 'phones whilst driving, not to mention your, I would go so far as to say, criticism of decent, responsibly inclined reporters of such CRIMINAL actions! Actually, your last rather ambiguous comment doesn't do you many favours either!

Oh and by the way, indeed it is STRANGE to see what 'some people' find interesting! Try the following:

Eg. 'Styx' (a close relation to you perhaps 'Styxx'?) Greek: Quote: '...and also meaning "hate and detestation"! Not forgetting 'Styx' ('Styxx'?) and 'Stygian', Greek: (again!) Quote: '...meaning or referring to anything that is dark and DISMAL'! I think that speaks volumes actually...!

You only need to drive behind someone on the phone to see they behave like drunk drivers - i.e. very slow reactions, failure to spot hazards, few signals etc. This is why it was banned, its good to see some enforcement finally being brought to it.

How about cracking down on the high numbers of cars driving with only one working headlight

Jammy Donut wrote:
How about cracking down on the high numbers of cars driving with only one working headlight

Good point. So many vehicles around with faulty lights, front and rear, its dangerous!!! And what about the pratts who drive at night with their front fog lanps blazing??? Dont they realise it sets them out as idiots? Its also unlawful.

Stupideditor wrote:
Firstly - Why is it that just 2 of the emergency services are taking an active role on this. Don't the ambulance service care? Secondly - The usage of a mobile phone behind the wheel is more dangerous to other road users then not wearing a seat belt. Anyone who is found using their phone should not be offered this course and should automatically get an on the spot fine and 6 points on their licence. More work needs to be done in punishing these groups of people.

Hummm, since when has the Ambulance Service been an emergency service? Unless the law has changed since I left having been front-line ambulance crew its still NOT an emergency service, there are 3, Coast-Guard, Fire and Police...

Brite Spark wrote:
Can the police do this on Mays Lane/Peak Lane in Fareham northbound on a Monday morning ... about 0645 please? It's a van drivers mobile phone paradise and they don't care whether it's icy, dark, foggy, wet or all four!

Not just that early, 08:15 Hrs this morning, during the walk to school (and ruddy school run) time, MARK INSULATIONS box van on Highlands Road, Fareham, driver with a fag in one hand the other holding his mobile upto his ear, went past like his arse was on fire too!

Zeo wrote:
attach a hidden camera on the front and rear of your car and press record soon as you leave your house and stop it when you get out of the car OR push a button on the dash board to start/stop when you seen some one offending... simples ;) !!!

Yes, better make sure its well hidden, just in case someone reports you for invasion of privacy... I know a number of proffesional drivers who use such systems, with sat.loc. and speed recording built in, gets a reduction in insurance costs apparently. If your tempted to mount a video camera in view, don't be surprised if the Police attempt to nick you for DWODCAA though, they don't like even the thought of being caught on camera, let alone breaking the RTA on camera!

Yet again we all talk about this problem we have a police force out who just want to walk the street say hello to people then go back to the station for cup of tea and not worry about the people who brake the law not just phones seatbelts but everything the law is the law but come on who sticks to it i see drivers with one head light, fog lights on when no fog around so the law is just a waste of space and one rule for one and a diffrent for others.

The POLICE just dont want to have the paperwork at the end of the day yet its part of their Job if you dont want to do it i am sure their are others who will want it.