The Metropolitan Police is reminding motorists who illegally use a mobile device while at the wheel to ‘leave the phone alone!’ as they as they continue to crack down on offenders after a successful campaign last month.
During February, the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, in partnership with Transport for London, targeted motorists who were unlawfully using hand-held mobile devices while driving.
Each year, around 4,000 people are killed or seriously injured on the capitals roads, taking a devastating toll on the people involved and their families.
Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “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.
“I would like to warn the minority of motorists selfishly driving while using a mobile phone that, in doing so, your reckless actions could be lethal. You are a significant danger to yourself, your passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. You are also breaking the law.
“Think about the possible consequences of your actions. 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 you 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.”
The law states that using a mobile phone while driving does not just mean holding a phone to your ear but also includes other distracting activities such as selecting music, streaming, looking on social media, checking emails and filming.
