1089 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Image
Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Image
Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.3% Yes
    91.3% Complete
  • 8.2% No
    8.2% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below!
    0.5% Complete
1477 votes
3 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

Image
T
8 hours ago

affordable daycare

Tatiana from Birkdale

Dear Neighbours,

In light of the increasing expenses that we all face, we understand the challenges of managing our finances. That is why we would like to offer a solution for families in our community.

At our childcare center Secret Garden ELC located at 428 Albany Highway, we are pleased to provide 30 hours of free care for all children until they are ready to start school. We believe that every child deserves access to quality early education, which is why we want to make it affordable for all families.

Any additional hours beyond the 30 free hours will be charged at a flexible rate to ensure that it is comfortable for you to pay. You can choose booking hours between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, giving you the flexibility to fit childcare into your schedule.

Our center boasts a large outdoor area with fruit trees, perfect for physical activities and exploration. We have two cozy rooms for different age groups and a friendly teaching team, with 80 percent of our staff being qualified professionals.

We understand the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for young children, and we strive to create a place where they can learn and grow happily.

If you are interested in learning more about our childcare services or would like to schedule a visit, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you and your family in any way we can. Our contact phone is 09 4150535, email info@secretgarden4kids.co.nz

Thank you for your attention.