The drivers of agricultural contracting vehicles in Mid Canterbury are being reminded they risk a $150 fine if spotted illegally using their cellphone on the road.

Members of the Ashburton District Road Safety Co-ordinating Committee highlighted the issue recently.

Committee member Cr Diane Rawlinson passed on community concerns that drivers of harvesting and other contracting vehicles were routinely spotted on their cellphones as they drove through Ashburton.

The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $150.

Cr Rawlinson said those drivers needed to sharpen up their act because cellphones were a distraction when drivers had to control heavy vehicles.

Transporting New Zealand spokesperson Jim Crouchley, who is a member of the Ashburton road safety committee, said illegal cellphone use was a road safety hazard and the industry had zero tolerance for it.

“It’s not a good look if drivers are seen holding their phones up to their ears while driving their heavy vehicles on busy public roads or across the Ashburton River bridge. Individual drivers need to take responsibility for their actions, but their bosses need to be hammering home the message too. It is not acceptable for them to be holding and using a mobile phone at any time while driving.

“It’s far better for drivers to let their phones go to voice mail and respond only when they have safely stopped out of the flow of traffic.”

A police report to the Ashburton road safety committee said they were also on the lookout for uncovered loads of maize, which were common this time of year.