ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) - After getting a barrage of e-mail messages opposed to the idea, the Aberdeen City Council has rejected a proposed ordinance to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

"We have had a significant outpouring of e-mail related to this ordinance," Mayor Mike Levsen said during Monday's deliberations.

The council vote was unanimous.

Officials began thinking about the ban earlier this year because of research that indicates people using cell phones while driving are involved in more accidents.

City Council member David Bunsness said he supports the ordinance's premise.

But, "it's not its time," he said.

One council member, Todd Campbell, said he wasn't contacted by anyone who was in favor of a ban on cell phone use while driving in Aberdeen.

Campbell said the only issue on which he has received more feedback was when the city was trying to decide whether to require licenses for child-care establishments.

"Apparently, kids and cell phones rank high on people's list," said council member Clint Rux.

A barrage of e-mail messages won't sway the council's opinion on every issue, Levsen said.

But most of them contained good, reasoned arguments, the mayor said.

Issues raised included taxis, delivery people and service vehicles, said council member Jim Kraft.

Council members said educating people on the dangers of using cell phones while driving is important.