A new Bucks Free Press campaign urging drivers to think about the dangers of using their mobile phones behind the wheel has got the backing of council leaders and MPs. 

Launched on the front page of the newspaper last week, we called on drivers to stop flouting the law and putting lives at risk by using their phones as part of our Hang Up! campaign.

Council bosses and politicians have now pledged their support to the important initiative, with Wycombe MP Steve Baker saying it is “imperative” to resist the temptation of using mobile phones at the wheel. 

Backing the campaign, he said: “There can be no reversing the potentially devastating consequences of an accident. No one will want to cause a tragedy and live with the guilt. 

“It’s time everyone abandoned phones while driving and I congratulate the BFP on their campaign.” 

Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan added: “Our roads are very busy and safety is paramount. Any distraction can be potentially deadly.

“Drivers know they shouldn’t drink and drive. Now drivers must adopt the attitude that using a phone at the wheel is dangerous to others and to themselves.”

Bucks County Council’s deputy leader and transport chief, Mark Shaw, said the council was “fully supportive” of the Hang Up! campaign. 

He said: “Acknowledging this issue, the county council has recently delivered a mobile phone campaign via social media and attended a public awareness event at a local supermarket.  

“As a result the county council fully endorse the Hang Up! campaign and will be pleased to work with the BFP to raise awareness of the law and the consequences.

“Any time that a driver’s attention is not on the road then you are putting yourself and others at risk and no phone call or text is worth a life.”

Cllr Katrina Wood, Wycombe District Council leader, also joined the calls for change, saying: “I am fully behind this local campaign and support any actions that help keep our residents and visitors to the area safer on our roads.  

“A split second to check or send a text or dial a number while you’re driving a vehicle could literally mean the difference between life or death, be it your own or more likely someone else’s. 

“Too often I see people on their phones whilst they are driving. The media can play a huge part in raising awareness of the dangers and helping to encourage people to change their habits. 

“We’re all busy with urgent calls to make and messages we need to check or respond to, but the bottom line is that there’s nothing that’s so important that it’s worth the risk of killing or maiming someone for life by being on the phone while you’re at the wheel.”

Chiltern District Council leader Isobel Darby also criticised those who drive and use their mobiles as being “totally unacceptable”, adding: “We hope the ‘Hang Up’ campaign will make people realise that they need to put away their phone, keep their eyes on the road and their hands firmly on the wheel.”

Cllr Nick Naylor, South Bucks District Council leader, agreed, saying: “As this campaign points out, a few moments of distraction can change lives forever.”