TOPIC:

I just read a piece by Gary Adshead on The West online where he's pushing for mobile phones to be confiscated by police if drivers are caught using them. I've been saying the same thing for years as the current penalty regime is clearly not working. Take them off these clowns for 30 days with the handset, SIM and everything else and I think people will get the message especially the younger generation who can't seem to help themselves. It might mean a bit extra admin for the coppers initially but reckon it'll be worth it in the long run.

Welcome to the club, BC.

ozfooty.net/joomla16/index.php?option=co...7&id=7548&Itemid=312

Nice one Jack. Although I wouldn't given the SIM back...I'd take the whole shootin' match.

Increasing penalties taking phones off people wont do jack.. they'll just get another phone..

It's like the capital punishment in some US states.. people still murder people..

exactly, they will just purchase or steal a new one...
they will have a new phone within the hour..

It's the inconvenience factor that will get up people's noses. Fines and demerit points are not working so what do you suggest?

I wonder if some know the cost of new flagship phones, and/or the amount of information often kept on mobile phones - expensive or cheap.

Unless someone is a diligent backer-up, they would stand to lose:

- the value of the phone (with the ongoing contractual obligation if on a plan)
- their entire phone book and contacts list either on the SIM or phone memory
- personal photos or videos
- stored music
- SMSs
- data, including spreadsheets and documents
- banking information and stored passwords
- etc etc

I am sure some could add to this list.

ps agree re losing the lot, BC. Perhaps for a month first up, and then permanently for a second or subsequent offence.

people lose their phones or have them damaged and have to cope with the issues you raise above, everyone copes now ok and is in a phone shop within the day..
those with no money find access to a phone through different means..
like those people who think its ok to speed 5 or 10km's above the speed limit and never get picked up on a speed camera there are people breaking road rules all the time..
hopefully the peopel here advocating this follow every road rule and never speed...
its annoying seeeing people on their phones but its one of many road user issues..

Good idea.

a good idea but impractical from a police and administrative point of view..
what is worse, speeding by 20km's over the speed limit or talking on your phone at the traffic lights ?
i reckon as many people go over the speed limit as talk on their mobile phones..