DURHAM -- Durham’s MPP is trying to ‘cell’ an idea to the Province.

MPP John O’Toole has re-introduced a private member’s bill in Queen’s Park which, if passed, would ban the use of cell phones while driving in Ontario, with certain exceptions. “It is similar to legislation now in effect in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador,” reads a release from Mr. O’Toole. “Many governments around the world already recognize the connection between improved highway safety and the responsible use of cell phones... One study in the United Kingdom compared the use of a cell phone while driving to driving after consuming enough alcohol to be impaired.”

This is not the first time Mr. O’Toole has introduced a bill to ban driving while under the influence of cell phone. He and other government officials have brought the matter to Ontario’s legislature in the past with no success.    

Exceptions to the law would be made for drivers using cell phones to report an emergency, a traffic accident, an unlawful act or unsafe road conditions to the appropriate authorities, according to the release. There would be an outright ban for novice drivers using cell phones when driving.