The Sun-Herald – Sunday 29 August 2004

Call to seize drivers' phones

DRIVERS illegally using mobile phones should have them confiscated on the spot

Harold Scruby chairman of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, also said that unless tough new penalties were introduced, the number of serious road accidents caused by the distraction of mobile phone use would increase.

He has written to Police Minister John Watkins railing for fines for illegal phone use to be increased from $226 to $500, the three demerit points to be retained and for on-the-spot confiscation of the phone, which would be auctioned with the funds used for additional enforcement.