by Deborah Condon

Over three-quarters of Irish people fully support a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones by drivers, according to the results of a new poll by irishhealth.com.

We asked our 33,200 plus registered users whether they backed new legislation banning hand-held mobile phones by drivers.

Of those who voted, 77% said that they 'support it fully', while 10% felt the government should focus on widening the ban on smoking instead.

A further 9% felt that such a ban would not work, while just 4% said that such a ban was wrong.

The ban, which came into effect last week, means that drivers must park safely before making or taking calls on hand-held mobile phones. It does not extend to hands free phones.

A breach of the ban carries a maximum penalty, on conviction in court, of a fine of €435 and/or three months imprisonment on a third offence.

See the full poll results and debate on the issue at…