Drivers to be banned from holding phones under tightened rules

It will soon be illegal for anyone to pick up and use a mobile phone while driving, under revised legislation due to be introduced next year. The change will end a loophole in the law that currently allows drivers to escape punishment for using a hand-held phone to take a photo or play a game.

Exemptions will still allow mobiles to be used to pay for a drive-through takeaway, or to use a device hands-free as a satnav, according to the Department for Transport.

Currently, making phone calls and sending text messages are banned while driving. The change in law would apply across Britain and is expected to come into effect early next year, pending the outcome of the consultation.