436 fines were issued in total to drivers who illegally used a mobile phone while at the wheel as part of a three-week crackdown.
The Met Police has issued 436 fines in total since Monday, 8 February to drivers who illegally used a mobile phone while at the wheel, as part of a three-week crackdown on offenders.
In the same period, 71 fines were given out for not being in proper control of a vehicle while another 45 fines were issued for dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate driving.
110 fines were also handed out for driving a vehicle with tinted windows that impaired vision.
The crackdown, between the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) and Transport for London, took place between Monday, 8 February and Sunday, 21 February.
It focussed on drivers who were unlawfully using hand-held devices by driving.
“The majority of people are responsible motorists who obey the rules of the road and, like me, are opposed to mobile phone use by other drivers,” said Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, Roads and Transport Policing Command.
“However, our ongoing road safety policing continually catches the minority of irresponsible motorists who selfishly use a mobile phone while driving. Their reckless actions could be lethal.
“I would like to remind such offenders that you are a significant danger to yourself, your passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. You are also breaking the law.
“If you are caught using a phone while driving you will be fined £200 and six points deducted from your licence. This could mean retaking your driving test or disqualification from driving altogether. If you cause a collision as a result of being on a phone, you could face prison. I ask you: how would live with yourself if you were the cause of someone’s injury or death as a result of driving while on a mobile phone?
“So, my message is clear: when you are driving, leave the phone alone.”
Dedicated RTPC patrols have used unmarked vehicles, helmet cams, high-seated vehicles and high vantage points to catch those who commit such offences while at the wheel throughout the weeks of enforcement and will continue to do so as part of ongoing regular patrols,
The crackdown and patrols contribute towards the Mayor’s Vision Zero Action Plan launched in 2018 to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s streets by 2041, with around 4,000 people being killed or seriously injured on the capital’s roads each year. It also supports the National Police Chief’s Council’s national weeks of action in February against such offenders.
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Tags: London, Metropolitan Police