Emergency alert test could see millions of Britons slapped with £200 fine tomorrow

The test alert will be sent to all compatible mobile phones with a 4G and 5G signal, as well as all compatible tablets across the UK.

Regular testing of the Emergency Alert system is critical to ensure it functions correctly when it's actually needed in an emergency.

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However, tens of millions of motorists are being warned about the threat of being slapped with a hefty fine if they are caught interacting with their phone when the alert goes off.

All phones and tablets will emit a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds, even if the phone is set to silent and on vibrate.

Police forces, including Thames Valley Police, have called on motorists to avoid interacting with their phones when the alert goes off while they are behind the wheel.

People can be slapped with a £200 fine and six penalty points on their driving licence if they are caught using their phone at the wheel.

The law determines that "using" a phone includes illuminating the screen, checking the time, checking notifications, unclokcing the device, or accessing an app.

This could also be disastrous for young drivers, as six penalty points are enough for someone to lose their licence if they passed their test less than two years ago.

Edmund King, President of the AA, urged motorists to follow the standard driving rules and focus on the road ahead of them.

He said: "We support the testing of the Emergency Alerts system, which is an important tool the Government uses to keep people safe in a crisis.

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"On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road. As always, only check your phone when you're parked safely with the engine turned off."

Thames Valley Police echoed these calls, saying that motorists "MUST NOT" hold a mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle.

They stated that drivers should continue with their journey and avoid dealing with the message. If drivers feel the need to look at the message, they must "find a safe and legal place to pull over first".

Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said it was "vital" for motorists to avoid picking up or checking their phone when on the road.

He advised: "While the 10-second alert might be distracting, the safest thing to do is keep your phone out of reach and focus on driving.

"If you're worried about it sounding during your journey, it's a good idea to pull over safely if you can just before 3pm and wait until the drill has passed."

The system has already been used in real-life scenarios five times, including at times of extreme storms or wildfires.
Pat McFadden, former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said that more than eight million people had already received Emergency Alerts in real-life scenarios.

He added: "Emergency Alerts help us deliver lifesaving advice in an emergency, which is why it's so important we test the system, to make sure we can keep the country safe when lives are on the line."