Signs that can detect the use of a mobile phone in a vehicle are to be rolled out in Norfolk, following a successful trial.
Designed by safety sign firm Westcotec, the Mobile Phone Detection System (MPDS) is a portable sign that identifies people using a mobile phone in a vehicle, whether they are making a call or receiving/sending a text message, according to Road Safety GB.
A roadside sensor monitors oncoming vehicles and sends information to the sign further along the road. This then flashes when mobile phone use has been detected in the vehicle.
Iain Temperton, road safety manager, said: “We have been trialling the MPDS at a number of locations in Norfolk and it's proved to be a flexible and extremely useful piece of equipment that we're now ready to roll out across the county.
"The system can't detect whether it’s a passenger using a phone in a vehicle or whether a hands-free device is being used. But of course, those people don't need to be worried if they get a flash from the sign.
“But for those drivers who are on their mobiles, the system is a powerful, effective and very public reminder that they have been detected, and that they are putting those around them at real risk by doing so."
Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, from Norfolk and Suffolk roads policing, said: “I welcome any innovations in technology which can be used alongside traditional methods to improve safety on our roads.”
Tony Attwood - 17/02/2015 10:59
About time mobile phone users (non hands free) were targeted properly and efficiently. The use of phones in cars seems to be increasing and especially Smart phones and ?texting. We actually need a blitz on this danger