Sir, - Like many of my customers in the cullular phone industry, I am concerned about the current impasse in the laws governing the safe use of handheld telephones in motor vehicles.
Most suppliers of cellular telephone equipment have been pushing sales of proper hands-free mobile phone kits in an effort to reduce the number of people using handheld phones while driving. However, in the light of recent comments by Mr Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch calling for an all-out ban on the use of cellular phones in vehicles, our customers are now cancelling orders for hands-free car kits pending a Government decision.
In the meantime, companies in the industry are facing the prospect of having to put staff on protective notice, and having to lay off installers of car kits, as there is little or no work being generated by sales teams.
In most of mainland Europe, it is illegal to use a portable phone while driving, but laws have been passed to allow the use of a properly fitted hands-free kit. I am fully aware that distractions while driving do lead to accidents. But where do you draw the line? Listening to the radio or having active toddlers in the back seat are also a distraction, so I would appeal that for the sake of the cellular phone industry in this country, the Minister acts quickly, and introduces a law to allow the use of mobile phones which have a properly fitted hands-free kit. - Yours, etc.,
Robin D. Heather, Ashfield Communications, Dunbur Lower, Wicklow Town.