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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers can be fined £1,000 for bad habit at traffic lights
Motorists can be penalised if breaking the rules while stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam Motorists are being warned that a common but potentially dangerous habit could result in a hefty £1,000 fine. Using your phone while waiting at traffic lights or during traffic jams is not only illegal but could also lead to severe consequences. According to the official guidance on using your mobile or satellite navigation system when your vehicle isn't "safely parked" may attract a penalty of £1,000 and even a potential driving ban. The legislation forbids the use of any device capable of sending or receiving data, such as phones, sat navs, and tablets, while driving or riding a motorcycle. Drivers are advised to refrain from using their devices for any reason, regardless of whether they are connected to the internet. This includes texting, making calls, taking photos or videos, or surfing the internet. As reported by the Express, many believe that these restrictions don't apply when stationary at traffic lights. However, this is simply wrong. The law applies under various circumstances, including: Being stuck in a traffic jam Supervising a learner driver Operating a vehicle equipped with start-stop technology that shuts off the engine when stopped Using a device that is offline or in aeroplane mode. Violating these rules can lead to six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine. For new drivers, who have passed their test within the last two years, the stakes are higher as they could lose their licence altogether. In severe instances, offenders may face legal action in court where penalties could include: A ban from driving or riding Fines up to £1,000, which rises to £2,500 for lorry or bus drivers. There are specific exemptions to the regulations on using handheld devices while driving. Mobile phone usage is permissible if: The user has to call 999 or 112 in an emergency situation and it is not safe or feasible to come to a standstill The vehicle is securely parked A contactless purchase is being made in a stationary vehicle, like at a drive-through eatery The device is employed for remote vehicle parking. Furthermore, it is allowable to operate devices hands-free provided they are not held at any point. Among the hands-free options are: Bluetooth headsets Voice command features Dashboard cradles or mats Windscreen mounts Built-in satellite navigation systems. Nonetheless, make sure such gadgets do not obstruct your view of the road and oncoming traffic. The Government's website says: "You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you're not in control because you're distracted and you can be prosecuted."
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists ignoring basic rule can be sent to court and get six points on licence
The repercussions can be even more severe for new drivers as they could risk being banned from driving. Motorists are being warned that something we unfortunately see people do every day could lead to a £1,000 fine. Checking your phone while stopped at traffic lights or during traffic jams is an illegal activity that could have serious repercussions. The official guidelines state that interacting with your mobile or sat nav when the car isn't "safely parked" could incur a penalty of £1,000 and potentially a driving ban. The law prohibits using devices like phones, sat navs, tablets, or anything that can send or receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle. Drivers should therefore avoid using a device for any purpose at all, irrespective of internet connectivity and this includes sending texts, making telephone calls, capturing pictures or videos, or browsing the web. There's a widespread but mistaken assumption that these rules don't apply when stationary at traffic lights; but this is incorrect. This rule remains applicable even if you're: If you're found flouting these regulations, you could face six points on your driving licence and a £200 fine. The repercussions can be more severe for new drivers; those who've obtained their driving licence within the last two years may risk losing their driving rights. In extreme cases, culprits might also be subjected to court proceedings where they could: Face a driving or riding ban Be liable for a maximum penalty of £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers). Exemptions on handheld phone use in car Certain exceptions are applicable to these rules. Handheld device usage is allowed if: You need to dial 999 or 112 in an emergency and it's unsafe or impractical to stop You're safely parked You're making a contactless payment in a stationary vehicle, such as at a drive-through restaurant You're using the device to remotely park your vehicle. Additionally, you can use devices with hands-free features as long as they are not held at any time. Hands-free options include: A Bluetooth earpiece Voice control systems Dashboard holders or mats Windscreen fixtures Integrated sat nav systems. However, it's crucial that these devices do not impede your view of the road and approaching traffic. The Government's website advises: "You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you're not in control because you're distracted and you can be prosecuted."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Secondary school says it will suspend pupils for using phones
Secondary school says it will suspend pupils for using phones Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen has banned the use of mobile phones and has said anyone violating the policy could face suspension Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend (Image: Google Maps ) A secondary school in Wales has become the latest to implement a 'phone ban' and has warned that pupils might even face a 'fixed term exclusion' if they use a phone or refuse to hand theirs over. Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend announced in a Facebook post that the phone ban will be in place from Monday, June 2, making it a 'mobile and electronic device-free school.' In a post on the school's Facebook page, the school said that the use of phones has resulted in 'learning being disrupted.' It said: 'The headteacher has a duty of care to protect both learners and staff in school. " Stay informed on Bridgend news by signing up to our newsletter here 'Mobile phones are increasingly becoming a huge distraction; this includes leaming being disrupted, an increase in online bullying via social media platforms and taking and sharing of images and videos without permission which is illegal.' The secondary school added that it made the decision to ban phone use after receiving support from the local authority, which is Bridgend County Borough Council. As per the ban, the use of mobile phones will be prohibited throughout the school day and pupils will be required to put their phones on silent and keep them in their school bags as soon as they enter the school gates. It also prohibits pupils from using their phones anywhere on the school grounds. If any parent or guardian wishes to contact their child, they will have to do so via the school's reception. The school has also listed out 'consequences' for students if they are in violation of the ban. It said: 'Any mobile phone related incident including refusal to hand in will result in a fixed term exclusion. 'Parents will be contacted and will collect their child's phone from reception.' According to the website, a suspension or a 'fixed term exclusion' is when a child is temporarily removed from the school. It adds that a pupil can only removed from the school for up to 45 school days in one school year, even if they have changed schools. Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen thanked parents and carers for their 'ongoing support.' A council spokesperson said: 'Local schools and their governing bodies are free to determine their own individual policies over whether mobile phones can be used during school hours or on school premises.' Article continues below Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen did not respond to a request for a comment.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP State Pension changes to help Brits receive 'higher' payments
The full new State Pension currently stands at £230.25 per week, which is around £11,973 for the 2025/26 financial year alone The UK Government has announced an upgrade to the 'Check Your State Pension' online service in a bid to help Brits get full State Pension payments when they retire. At present, the full new State Pension stands at £230.25 weekly, adding up to around £11,973 throughout the 2025/26 financial year. Qualification for the State Pension is linked to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), with a minimum of 10 years' worth to be eligible for any pension sum and about 35 years for the full rate. Extra years might be necessary if you were 'contracted out' - with in-depth information accessible on here. The Check Your State Pension forecast service enables anyone to make voluntary National Insurance contributions to bridge any gaps in their NIC history. Treasury minister James Murray says the planned amendments will improve the user experience. In a written statement to Parliament, the minister recently outlined a series of new simplified measures and updated guidance for the self-employed. It is also for those paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge, and anyone who wishes to maximise their State Pension by purchasing voluntary National Insurance Contributions. "The government also intends to further enhance the Check Your State Pension forecast service, which supports people who want to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in their National Insurance record," the statement from April 28 reads. "These measures build on the government's announcement at Spring Statement 2025 that from Summer 2025, employed individuals who become liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) will be able to opt to pay HICBC directly through PAYE, without the need to register for Self Assessment." The State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67 for both men and women between 2026 and 2028, with a subsequent increase to 68 expected to be implemented between 2044 and 2046, according to the Daily Record. This implies that people born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will be able to start claiming their State Pension as soon as they reach the age of 67. However, a recent study by Just Group has highlighted a worrying trend. Over a third of retirees did not check their State Pension forecast before retiring, even though for 1.2 million households, the State Pension constitutes the primary source of income during retirement. The survey, which questioned more than 1,000 people either already retired or approaching retirement age, revealed that 38% had not looked at their pension forecast. This figure increased to 40% among those aged 55 to 64 who were yet to reach State Pension age, and 46% among early retirees. Among those who did examine their prospective State Pension income, about 17% found out that it would be at least £250 less per year than they had expected. On the flip side, 9% were pleasantly surprised to discover that their pension would be higher than anticipated by a similar margin. Commenting on the findings, Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: "It's easy to see why people may assume they'll simply get the full State Pension, but for many people this won't be the case. The last thing these households need when they come to retire is the nasty surprise that their State Pension is less than they thought. "The government offers a State Pension forecast service and we urge anyone approaching retirement to use it - ideally in advance of beginning to retire. It will tell you if you are likely to receive less State Pension than you thought and that will give you the opportunity to take steps to increase what you will actually receive." State Pension payments 2025/26 Full New State Pension Weekly payment: £230.25 Four-weekly payment: £921 Annual amount: £11,973 Full Basic State Pension Weekly payment: £176.45 Four-weekly payment: £705.80 Annual amount: £9,175
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
People with these medical conditions could get over £1,362 a month DWP payments
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Millions of Brits above the state pension age across Great Britain could receive up to £1,362 each month through a combination of two separate payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) are paid independently of the state pension, but can provide additional financial support for older people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested and worth either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. Pensioners could add up to £5,740 to their 2025/26 income to help with the extra costs through either of the disability benefits. The full state pension is £230.25 per week and as the payment is typically made every four weeks, this amounts to £921 a month. Annual payments are worth £11,973 over the 2025/26 financial year, reports the Daily Star. However, it's important to be aware that not all of the 4.1m people on the state pension receive the full amount as it is linked to National Insurance Contributions. The full basic state pension is £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four-week payment period. Annual payments are worth £9,175.40 over the 2025/26 financial year, reports the Express. To check your own future state pension payments, use the online forecasting tool on here. In Scotland, pensioners are no longer eligible to claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland. This benefit is set to fully replace Attendance Allowance by the close of 2025. The amount received for either Attendance Allowance or PADP is contingent on the level of support required. The benefit aims to assist individuals of State Pension age with daily living costs due to their condition, potentially enabling them to maintain independence in their own home for a longer period. Neither Attendance Allowance nor PADP includes a mobility component. The conditions outlined below are derived from data recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also caters to individuals with these conditions. However, it's crucial to understand that this list does not serve as a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, but rather provides insight into the types of conditions being supported. If you require additional assistance during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
