Calls for mobile ban in cars

Former tourism minister Janet Anderson will today call for a law banning drivers from using mobile phones while driving

She will introduce a Commons Bill which would create a special criminal offence of talking on the telephone while at the wheel. Her move is backed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which claims that 17 people have been killed on Britain's roads in accidents involving mobile phones.

The 10-minute rule Bill published today has no chance of becoming law.

Earlier this year a similar private member's Bill introduced by Tory MP James Gray also failed to reach the statute book.

Drivers involved in an accident while using mobiles can already be charged with general motoring offences, but campaigners believe a specific offence would make it easier to bring prosecutions. Ms Anderson said: "I believe there needs to be specific legislation to make the public aware of the dangers."