Enderby EYE

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Motorists fined for using mobile phones whilst driving

Number of offenders dealt with doubles over past 12 months

18 April 2008

Motorists who break the law by using their mobile phones whilst driving are being warned that they could be spotted by officers in unmarked police vehicles.

During the month of March, Leicestershire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit issued 141 fixed penalty notices to motorists for using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving.

They each received a £60 fine and three points on their licence. A further seven drivers were summoned to appear in court.

This is more than double the number of motorists that were dealt with during a similar crackdown in March 2007.

Sergeant Ivan Stafford, deputy commander of the Road Policing Unit, said:

"It is very disappointing that so many motorists are continuing to ignore the fact that mobile phone use whilst driving is illegal and is also a major contributor to crashes.

"However, I hope the results of this crackdown show the efforts that Leicestershire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit is making to ensure our roads are safer for everyone.

"The use of dedicated and skilled traffic police to target specific areas of enforcement is proving to be very beneficial, as is the increased use of unmarked patrol cars.

"Many motorists probably believe that if they can't see a police car nearby then they can use their phone and get away with it. Little do they realise that the car behind them could be an unmarked police vehicle and their call or text message could be about to cost them £60 and three points on their licence."

While driving, you will be breaking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that must be held to operate it. This means that is illegal to use your mobile phone:

when you are stopped at traffic lights
when you are queuing in traffic
to receive calls, pictures, text messages or to access the internet.

Drivers can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if they are not in proper control of their vehicle.

The penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone.

The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

Associated links:

» Leicestershire Constabulary

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