Examples of legislation brought in because of misconceptions

[Oneeyedvic]

I am looking for examples of legislation that has been brought in based on incorrect advice - eg it is illegal to use a mobile phone on a petrol forecourt despite there being no evidence to suggest that a mobile phone can cause any kind of ignition.

[factor-fiction]

Seen this? Was this a hoax? http://meview.metro.co.uk/video.aspx?id=39308

[Oneeyedvic]

Believe that this is a hoax (like the popcorn being popped by mobile phones).

[factor-fiction]

Just testing. Some petrol stations had really long (badly written) notices stressing that the mobile phone issue wasn't a hoax.

[TCL-MUMPING]

What is the legislation that prohibits the use of mobile 'phones on forecourts?

[Oneeyedvic]

Regulations in 1992 prohibiting mobile usage as part of the operators licensing conditions were
renewed in 1996 and 2004. Further, under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations of 2002, operators are obliged to consider and control any such risk on
the forecourt.

http://www.kent.ac.uk/scarr/events/finalpapers /burgess.pdf

Am really not interested in debating this point - I am looking for similar examples as stated in the original question.

[another-view]

Early trains were not permitted to go above 30mph for fear of people suffocating.

[R1Geezer]

The parliament act was used to repeal Clause 4 on the basis that teachers where not allowed to protect children from bullies when in reality it simply barred them from peddling Gay propaganda.

[Whickerman]

Blasphemy legislation when there is no evidence of a god?

[China Doll]

I'm not sure but would the use of mobile phones in hospitals be another one? I think they're still banned because of interference with equipment but I don't think this applies to the modern mobile (I think it did to the 1980's bricks).

If it does count, would you like me to see if I can find out for sure that's why they're banned here?

[Quinlad]

Clause 4?

[padanarm]

While male homosexual acts were illegal under the Offences against the Person Act 1861, lesbianism has never been subject to legislation, as far as I know.

The story goes that when the legislation was being considered in the 1860s either Queen Victoria wouldn't believe that such things went on or that no-one would explain it to her.

[Tom Braider]

How about the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?