Surrey Police Targeting Drivers Who Use Mobile Phones

Published on: 13 Apr, 2019
Updated on: 15 Apr, 2019

Drivers using mobile phones in Surrey are being targeted as part of a national campaign to eradicate one of the chief causes of serious collisions. The National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign starts on Monday, April 15.

Across the county last year, 583 drivers were stopped and fined for using mobile phones. There have been incidents where drivers have been spotted using their phones to film the scene of a crash. One such driver was reported for trying to film one on the M25 in March.

Inspector Ken Bates, of the Surrey Roads Policing Unit, said: “Mobile phone use is one of the fatal four, along with speeding, drink/drug driving and not wearing a seatbelt.

“Most people comply with the law, but some still think they can play Russian roulette by using their phones while driving. There are stiff penalties and the laws are strict. Contrary to what many drivers think, the law applies even if you are stopped at traffic lights or sat in a queue.

“If your engine is running, your phone should be nowhere near your hand and it’s still the case if you have a stop-start engine.

“My advice to all road users is your calls and texts will be there for you to respond to when you get to your destination. Don’t risk not reaching your destination by trying to reply while you’re behind the wheel. It’s not worth it.”

Being caught using a mobile phone while driving carries a penalty of six points and a £200 fine. This means that drivers who passed their test less than two years ago would face an instant ban for their actions.

Responses to Surrey Police Targeting Drivers Who Use Mobile Phones

F Barker Reply

April 13, 2019 at 3:39 pm

I fully understand the importance of this issue. But to me, it seems pointless using this new technology until it can only target the driver using the phone.

I drive with my wife and teenagers in the car whilst they are happily doing what they do on their mobile devices while I concentrate on the road. And I’m sure the situation is the same in any other passenger vehicle. So these new-fangled devices are just going to be constantly lighting up wasting energy due to the fact the majority of passengers are likely to be on a mobile device.

Yet the street lights outside my house have to be turned off at night when it’s dark and light is needed because they waste energy. Makes perfect sense, if you’re from the planet Zorg.