Town Moves Closer to Texting While Driving Ban

Town council has voted to move forward with a texting-while-driving ban. The measure passed a council vote by a 6-3 margin Tuesday night and needs a second vote in September to become law.

The ban is marked shift from a proposal that would have banned operating a mobile device for any reason outside of the hands-free function. That proposal failed by an 8-1 vote with Mayor Billy Swails being the only supporter.

The texting ban was not originally favored by the council or the town's Chief of Police because it would be too difficult to enforce. Councilmembers Ken Glasson, Chris Nickels and Linda Page voted no on the texting ban.

Councilmembers John Burn, Elton Carrier, Chris O'Neal, Craig Rhyne, Thomasena Stokes-Marshall and Mayor Billy Swails voted for the texting ban.

The measure still requires one more vote before council in September to become law.

Editor's note: This version corrects an earlier posting.