http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1255190,00.html
I cant see why not, hes the same as we are in or out of uniform.
I think this just goes to show that the hand held mobile phone will always be used in vehicles by drivers. It is dissappointing to see a senior Police officer getting caught and setting a bad example. Personally, I think handsfree phones are just as dangerous as handhelds. It’s the act of being in conversation that distracts concentration from the process of driving a vehicle.
Unfortunately, I have the impression that most people drive a vehicle to get from here to there as quickly as possible, and don’t see it as a process that needs much effort, until it all goes wrong, and then it’s everyone else’s fault. 
So Handsfree are dangerous eh Iggy ??
Quote Iggy ‘‘It’s the act of being in conversation that distracts concentration from the process of driving a vehicle’’
I take it you don’t drive a car then ?
If you do ya must be a bundle of fun to go out with because you obviously (by your above statement) would not let yourself get engaged in any conversation with your passengers, Would you ?
I don’t see talking to someone on a handsfree is any different to talking to ya fellow travellers in the car, in fact talking on a handsfree is probably less distracting that having a chat with ya mates in a car.
Don’t get me wrong I’m am fully behind the new law on mobile phones (Stop the muppets,But don’t tar everyone with the same brush)…I do support the proper use of in car fitted equipment or the Handsfree option.
On another note in my mind it is just as dangerous to smoke a fag whilst driving a car…have you seen some of the smoking drivers habits ??? Flicking ash out of windows / Throwing their butts out still live…Get one of those in the face when ya on a bike and ya’ll know it.
That’s it the soapbox is going back in the corner again now 
Johnp - You’re completely missing the point ( as kind of stated by Iggy) I would of expected a senior police officer to agree with the enforcing of this law as there is no excuse to break it. (Get a handsfree kit at least) Other laws that the police break could have a reason eg speeding when your late, or you just enjoy it
(not saying it justifiable, just understandable)
taz you’ve also completely missed the point that someone in the car can make allowances for pauses in the conversation as they can see hazards.
Charly - Is it not usually the passanger that operates the radio? ( the old £30 law specifically allowed 2 way radios)
Two way radios are excluded. HOWEVER, alot of police forces now use the Airwave™ system (thats the device clipped to their shoulder, like the old PR). This is not classified as a two way radio, but a multipurpose telecommunications device, thus their use is covered by this mobile phone law and users could be fined/endorsed if used in a non-emergency scenario when driving.
I’m sure one of the woodentops on here will correct if any of this is incorrect 
As for the copper who ‘done’ his chief super in Darrrylj’s link, good on him!..
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> … but I dont much fancy his chances when he goes before the promotion board 
Well done Taz the Boss…
…totally missed the point!
oh, yes… I do drive a car, I ride a motorbike and I drive an Artic all day. Maybe you could explain then why I see countless cars creaping along in lane one of the motorway in front of my lorry thats restricted to a max speed of 56mph, then once they’ve finished their call, resume a faster speed and get back into lane three. If that is not proof that using a phone whilst driving distracts your attention and concentration, then why do they do it??
Hold on,Hold on a mo…while we are on about missing the point read my posting again !!
I was making an observation on IGGY’S remark about ‘conversation causing lack of concentration whilst driving’.
If I have ever had a call whilst on the move I don’t need to move or look at anyone just speak into a mic which is mounted on the dash at the base of my door pillar and the speaker is mounted between the front seats…No lack of concentration involved there.
But I have seen drivers in conversation with their passengers looking over there shoulders or looking at their front seat passenger whilst chatting…eyes totally off the road…Get my drift.
Again I am totally against the numpties that refuse to use proper in car equipment be it fitted/bluetooth or wired handsfree.
So I haven’t missed anyones point at all.
I still think that I cause the biggest danger while I eat behind the wheel…
But that’s still legal
I am totally with Taz on this and tbh I find it funny that a statement of using a BlueTooth kit is more dangerous than talking to someone in the back or passenger seat of your car.
People in the car can see a hazard and understand if you pause? What’s that got to do with it? If you’re chatting on a BlueTooth car kit, do you feel you must keep talking no matter what is happening because you can’t bare to think of the person on the other end wondering why you’ve paused for 3 seconds?!?!?!
Not buying that… I agree I think BT kits are safer than talking to people in the car. I can see dialing a number might be slightly dangerous, but mine does voice activated dialing if I really need to make a call. Usually it’s just for receiving though.
As with everyone else, I do agree it’s very disappointing that someone in his position sets such a poor example.
Damn it, no more kebabs behind the wheel then…
I didn’t know it’s banned too.
Sorry for giving my opinion on this subject…
The day people stop crashing their cars is the day I might be convinced that using a phone while driving isn’t dangerous.
Why can’t people manage an hour or two driving their vehicle without thinking they’re still in the office? IMHO it’s not acceptable when people’s lives are at risk.
Why must you think your in the office to use your phone while in the car? I never use my phone for business and why should I wait to get somewhere and then waste time making a call, when it can be made perfectly safely while driving? Again, how does talking on a handsfree become more dangerous than talking to someone in the car?
Sorry mate. Totally dissagree with you on the subject of using mobiles whist driving.
There are adverts on the radio and TV telling drivers to look out for bikes when pulling out of junctions because 1500 bikers have been killed or injured on the roads. The general level of awareness of car drivers is poor at the best of times, so why make it worse by advocating the use of mobiles whilst driving.
But you still haven’t answered the question I’ve asked (and I think Taz did). How is talking to the air more dangerous than talking to the person sat in the back seat?
Remember, I’m talking about using car kits. Not holding a phone, not dialing a phone… literally talking to the air, not even having to look at anyone.
Look at my question. That still doesn’t really answer it. I still don’t believe this is the difference maker -
“The person on the end of the phone doesn’t know the driving conditions around you. If someone’s in the car talking to you they can stop talking if a dangerous situation arises.”
Someone in the car is more likely to scream, or clutch at things even when its a minimal risk. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, try driving my mum around for an hour.
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/mobilephones/mobilephones.htm
Some time and effort has been invested in this, so it can’t just be me who still thinks that talking on a phone (handsfree or not) is dangerous.
I’m not going to keep arguing the point now. This is what I think about the subject and I would certainly expect other’s to dissagree. People used to think Drink Driving was acceptable.
Quote “Think! Road Safety” -
“A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if you are not in proper control of your vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - £60 fine and three points on your licence.”
That’s fair enough. We’re obviously not going to agree. Maybe there are some people out there that can’t talk and drive… All I’ve been asking is what is the difference in talking to the air and talking to someone next to/behind you, aside the silly point about them not knowing any hazards you might encounter.
& for all of you who haven’t seen the new advert yet…
https://www.youtube.com/v/-d-PPBryJgY
KILL THE CONVERSATION!