The mobile phone menace continues to grow at an alarming rate.
The Welsh executive has launched a new service to alert drivers in Wales to potential problems on the roads
with automatic alerts from Traffic-Wales.
Once registered, users will receive automatic notification of accidents, delays and speed restrictions likely to affect their journeys.
Welcoming
the new service, Sue Essex, Minister for Environment said: 'Users of the M4 in Wales can register for the Assembly's new auto-notification system at www.traffic-wales.com to receive free alerts, by e-mail or MOBILE PHONE.
The service is designed to advise drivers of problems before they set off on their journeys. Once on the road, electronic road signs will keep drivers informed of any developments.'
Although Ms Essex urges motorists to sign up for the new service she reminds drivers that mobile phones should never be used while driving.
This is good advice on not using mobile phones while
driving but lets face it, drivers will read text messages on the move, putting motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users at risk.
MAG's Director Of Public Affairs, Trevor Baird said,
"Lets make this clear again, you can't talk on a hand held mobile phone and drive safely, never mind staring at a text message on the move even if using a hands free system."
"
Today's personal example and a daily experience of mobile phone use on the move was in a Tesco's car park when nearly T-boned by a driver chatting away."
For a Regional Assembly to
encourage text messaging when the results of the Government's own consultation on banning mobile phone use in vehicles has still to be announced is downright irresponsible.
This adds to the list of providers transmitting or receiving information via mobile phones.
Providers so far on the list are:
AA RAC BBC Met Office Road Rave Text Jam
MAG are looking for information on other providers, what type of service they offer and their contact details.
MAG are also looking for your "daily" experiences of drivers using hand held mobile phones.
You can send your information to "The Mobile Menace"
E-mail public-affairs@mag-uk.org Fax: 0870444 8 449 or post information to MAG UK PO BOX 750 Rugby CV21 3ZR
