FLEET News this week launches a new campaign, PhoneSafe, as a call to action for fleets to prepare for the Government ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, which comes into force on December 1.

Throughout November, Fleet NewsNet will run a series of best practice articles, interviews, guest opinions and case studies to raise awareness of the new law, its consequences and the action that should be taken by companies to protect themselves and their employees.

Fleet News editor John Maslen said: 'This is a massive issue for the fleet industry, as many company car drivers have been issued with mobile phones by their employers.

'Firms will have to have systems in place to ensure they are not forcing their employees to be talking on the phone while driving, and drivers will have to change the way they work while out on the road.'

According to latest research from the Association of British Drivers (ABD), 40% of motorists are still unaware that use of hand-held mobile while driving is to be banned. Mobile headset manufacturer JABRA and the ABD carried out the research to assess the impact the impending legislation had made.

Other key findings of the research included the fact that 17% of drivers questioned admitted to using a hand-held mobile while driving.

A quarter of respondents who were aware of new legislation said it would not stop them from using a hand-held mobile while driving.

And many drivers who are aware of the legislation are still confused over what hands-free options are legal.

The ban will make Britain's fleet drivers liable to face a minimum £30 fine if they are caught using a hand-held mobile while they are in control of a vehicle.