IT IS astonishing that, despite many high-profile cases of death and injury to innocent victims, it is almost impossible to drive along any road for even a short distance without seeing someone using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel of another car.

“Astonishing” because the potential impact of doing so can be so catastrophic that the dangers are blindingly obvious. Anyone with a modicum of common sense can see that it takes only a brief distraction to bring about devastation of the kind that can destroy lives forever, not just those of the injured parties but of their loved ones as well.

So it has to be hoped that the changes to legislation which come into force tomorrow - increasing the penalty for those stopped using a hand-held phone while driving to six points and a £200 fine - will have an impact. We suspect, however, that the arrogance and stupidity of those who continue to do it will overcome the fear of getting caught, especially as it is so difficult for police to commit the resources to intercept more than a small percentage of offenders.

Given that those resources are unlikely to grow and leopards are therefore unlikely to change their spots, surely action is required from a different direction?

Many modern cars are now fitted with hands-free mobile phone equipment and even wireless connectivity, which makes the process of using a phone barely more complex than changing the radio. Many manufacturers, however, insist on fitting these only as an expensive option. Has the time not come for the Government to now recognise this is basic safety equipment and make it a legal requirement in every car?