IT managers may be forced to buy expensive hard wired, hands-free car kits for mobile staff, if the government proceeds with proposals for a blanket ban on the use of handheld devices by drivers.
The Department of Transport's five-month consultation process on road safety and the use of mobile phones while driving suggested that only those phones with hard-wired, hands-free kits should be allowed. This move would effectively ban drivers from using any phone with a headset, or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth.
The consultation paper warns that employers would be responsible in some cases if their employees breach the rules, because proposed legislation would "enable the police to take action if anyone 'causes or permits' the use of a handheld mobile phone by a driver."
However, some industry experts said the proposals go too far in outlawing cheaper solutions. Graham Macdonald, senior radio executive at Intellect, an IT trade group, said that the proposed changes would ban embryonic technology that could solve the problem.
Dangerous driving
Macdonald argued that existing laws against dangerous driving were adequate, and said that any changes should encompass other distractions to drivers, rather than singling out hands-free phones.
Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the Automobile Association (AA), also said that the proposals were "over the top".
However, Howard said that between 89 and 93 percent of the AA's members supported a total ban on phone use in cars, including an 89 percent majority among those using mobile phones for work. Intellect said that road safety should take precedence over issues of cost.
The Department of Transport said, "There may be a cost on personal users and organisations if they choose to install hands-free equipment in their vehicles... we understand that dashboard mounting costs can range from £100 to £300."
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