GRACE PERIOD OVER – CELLPHONE FINES START MONDAY

VANCOUVER – Starting Monday, Feb. 1, fully licensed drivers caught talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will face a $167 fine, while those found texting or emailing will also net three penalty points, Solicitor General Kash Heed reminded British Columbians today. Police have been stopping drivers throughout January to give them warnings about talking on a cellphone, and people seem to be getting the message and changing their behaviour," said Heed. “But the grace period will soon be over and drivers who don't keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road will now pay the price.”

B.C. Solicitor General details ban on cell phone use

CTV B.C.:

British Columbia's Solicitor General Kash Heed has announced plans to impose a three-part ban on cell phone use for drivers.Heed spoke to reporters Tuesday after Gordon Campbell's throne speech, which marked the opening of the 39th session of parliament.

The proposed legislation will recommend a complete ban on cell phone use while driving, Heed said, with an exception for experienced drivers using hands-free devices. A complete ban on text messaging will also be imposed. New drivers in the graduated licensing program will be barred from using all use, including handheld devices, hands-free devices and any form of text messaging.

Six other provinces already have legislation restricting cell phone use in place. On August 12, Alberta announced it was developing legislation that was not limited to phone use, focusing instead on any distracting electronic device used in cars.

Castanet Poll on Cell Phone use while Driving

Results as at 6 AM July 29

Question: The City of Kelowna supports an RCMP proposal to ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving. Did council go far enough?

Yes. Ban only hand held cell phones

938

No. Ban all cell phones

857

Don`t ban the use of either

458

Total Votes: 2253

Kelowna against cell phones in cars

by Wayne Moore - Jul 28, 2009 CASTANET:

The City of Kelowna has waded into the debate over banning the use of cell phones in moving vehicles, however, they didn't go far enough for one councillor. A resolution before council Monday asked that the city support the RCMP's initiative to ban the use of cell phones while driving. Council, at the urging of Andre Blanleil, amended the resolution to include only 'hand held' cellular devices. Councillor Michele Rule, says the amendment was one she couldn't endorse. "Because of that amendment, I won't be supporting the motion," says Rule.

"The report in here is very clear that evidence concludes there is no difference between the cognitive diversion associated with hands free and hand held cell phone." Rule says the report which accompanies the resolution spells out the risks. "The passenger is aware of the driving situation, the driving serves as an additional lookout for hazards. The passenger can adjust speech tone and conversation in the driving environment. This report was quite scary." Councillor Charlie Hodge says he's not crazy about hands free devices, however, " my big concern is seeing someone driving around with one hand on the cell phone and making a left turn," says Hodge. "My concern really is with the hand held units. I think that is the number one danger." Council passed the resolution to ask the province to support the RCMP initiative with Councillor Rule voting against.