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Business Link Funded Training
As Chamber Members may be aware, the Government announced earlier this year that Business Link’s regional network is to close on 30th November 2011.
Diary Dates
March Quarterly Business Lunch
Bildeston Crown lunch, Thursday 8th March 2012
We are delighted that Rachel Sloane has accepted our invitation to speak at our forthcoming Chamber lunch.
Feburary Business Breakfast
Eight Bells Hadleigh, Thursday 2 February 2012
Firstly, may I wish our members a happy and successful New Year and, secondly, extend my apologies for the unfortunate cancellation of the January breakfast meeting.
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New Mobile Phone Law
If you own or use a mobile and drive this applies to you:
On the 27th February 2007 the ‘Road Safety Act’ introduced new tougher legislation and penalties for people who use a mobile phone while driving. Using a mobile while driving now has the same stigma as drink driving by the general public and now the police will have the teeth to tackle this issue.
In a recent report by ‘Direct Line’ it stated: “Driving performance under the influence of alcohol was significantly worse than normal driving, yet significantly better than driving while using a mobile phone.”
The law basically prohibits picking up or touching your mobile while driving or where you are the responsible person in the car, i.e. Driving instructors, if the phone is not held in a cradle.
Bluetooth is perceived as legal by most users, but this is not quite true.
You may receive a call via Bluetooth to your device by touching the button on the earpiece. NOT YOUR PHONE.
You may not dial from your phone on Bluetooth unless your phone is cradled or your phone has voice dialling. If you pick your phone up to press the keys, you have broken the law!
Full fitted car kits with a cradle are legal. If you have a Bluetooth car kit, you will need a cradle to be 100% legal.
Penalties:
If caught via the police or speed cameras this will earn you 3 points on your licence and a £60 fine.
If disputed and the case goes to court this could end in disqualification or a £1000 fine, (£2500 in the case of bus or lorry drivers).
The rules and penalties apply even when stationary at traffic lights or in hold-ups.
It has been muted that convictions on your licence for using a mobile whilst driving will greatly affect your insurance premiums. However there have been no exact details announced about this yet, but I would say it’s a safe bet the insurance companies will use this as a way to increase your premiums.
Keep Legal:
Full fitted car kit.
Bluetooth device with a fixed cradle.
I trust that you will all find this information of some help, if you would like any clarification please feel free to contact me at any time.
Andy Ridley
Solutions Group
Hadleigh Business Centre
0845 4084450
www.sbsl.co.uk
ar@sbsl.co.uk
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