Instructions to Staff on the Use of Mobile Phones
(Version 1 / 10.11.03)
From 1st December 2003 it will be an offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to use a hand held mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
It will also be an offence for an employer to encourage or permit employees to use hand held mobile phones while driving.
The following instructions therefore apply to all Highland Council staff who drive vehicles in the course of their work.
- DO NOT make or answer a call on a hand held mobile phone while driving. This includes whilst stationary at traffic lights etc.
- If you are driving alone, you must switch off your phone and use voice mail to record any messages.
- During your journey you should find a safe place to stop, switch off the engine, and deal with recorded messages and/or private calls.
- If you have a passenger, then that person may receive or make phone calls on behalf of the driver.
- Although the ban does not extend to the use of hands free kits, it is strongly recommended that they are not used as the distraction caused can increase the risk of an accident.
- Because of the legal duty imposed on the Council as an employer, failure to comply with these instructions will be treated as a disciplinary matter.