Norfolk County Council is trialing new technology that can identify mobile phone use within a passing vehicle.
The council’s road safety team has been working in partnership with local company, Westcotec, to develop and deploy the new mobile phone detection system. It is the first of its kind to be used on roads in the UK.
“Using a mobile phone whilst driving is an enormous distraction and apart from being illegal puts the lives of the driver, passengers and pedestrians at risk,” said Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman of Communities Committee. “We are delighted to have been able to partner with Westcotec to trial the new technology across Norfolk.”
The technology is able to identify what type of signal is being transmitted or received by the handset and whether it is being used via the vehicle’s Bluetooth system. When the relevant signal is detected indicating that a mobile phone is being used within a vehicle, the road sign is activated as the vehicle passes, giving a specific flashing visual message that will prompt a driver to stop using their phone.
“This scheme is a good example of how we can work with local authorities to make using a mobile phone whilst driving as socially unacceptable as drink or drug-driving,” said Inspector Jonathan Chapman from Norfolk Roads Policing Unit. “Any scheme which prevents this kind of behaviour is welcomed. Using a mobile 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.
“We will be using the information provided by Norfolk County Council’s road safety team to help us target drivers in the future but the message is simple – leave your phone alone whilst you’re behind the wheel.”
There is currently no facility to record specific number plates, although the council says this is likely to be a future development.
