From November onwards, a sum of $80 will be fined to drivers who are found texting or talking on the cell phones while driving. The move comes following a Canterbury couple was killed in a texting-related crash.

It was forwarded by Transport Minister Steven Joyce yesterday that the change will implemented from 1st November and anyone who is found "using a hand-held cellphone while driving will be fined $80 and get 20 demerit points the same penalty for driving 11kmh to 15kmh over the speed limit."

If drivers get 100 demerits points, they will lose their license. However, motorists would be allowed to use hands-free phones and two-way radios, and there is an exemption for 111 calls in emergencies.

New Zealand witnessed 482 injury crashes and 25 fatal crashes between 2003 and 2008, for which largely resulted from the use of a cellphone or other telecommunications device.

In a shocking incident, Beverley and Samuel Keating were killed in a crash near Ashburton, in September 2007, when they were coming back home after celebrating their
49th wedding anniversary.

The major reason for the accident was that the driver of the other car, Robert Stonestreet, was texting while driving. He hit into the couple's car after going through an intersection.

After hearing the yesterday's announcement, Samuel Keating's brother, Waimakariri Mayor Ron Keating, was apparently delighted and referred to it as great news. He said: "We can't bring their lives back, but bringing in such a measure should go quite a way to preventing further unnecessary deaths."

He added: "I'm sure all members of the family and the extended family are pleased that action is going to be taken."

Even the Police and Automobile Association spokesman Simon Lambourne welcomed the decision; while Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said the fine should be higher.

Furthermore, the ban was seen as required and important by Telecom and Vodafone too.