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Police swoop on mobile offenders

One of the first drivers to be caught in a police campaign against making calls behind the wheel works for a mobile phone company

Virgin Media worker one of first drivers caught using mobile at the wheel under new tougher phone laws

By Mat Watson

08th March 2007

The Virgin Media engineer wasn't hooked up to a hands-free kit on the first morning that new rules outlawing chatting on the move came into force. And police have promised there will be no let-off for drivers spotted flouting the beefed-up ban.
 
Everyone knows the rules: penalties have been increased, and people can expect zero tolerance from the police

Another motorist stopped during a two-hour Thames Valley Police stake-out in Oxford - which we joined - was an Ocado grocery delivery driver using his handset illegally. He claimed he'd answered his company-supplied phone to stop it ringing, but that he hadn't been given a hands-free kit - despite the fact he takes up to 20 calls a day.

Many more motorists experienced the tougher stance, and were left facing a £60 fine and three points on the spot. And according to Thames Valley's Sgt Malcolm Messenger, anyone who reckons they can get away with break-ing the law should think again.

"When the ban was introduced in late 2005, we gave drivers a grace period," he said. "Now, though, everyone knows the rules: penalties have been increased, and people can expect zero tolerance from the police." He added that a series of other operations to catch drivers on mobile phones would be staged over the next few months, and it was expected that forces else-where were planning similar stings.

David Keighley, managing director of operations and logistics at Virgin Media, said: "We take the safety of our employees and the public extremely seriously, and recently briefed workers about the new mobile law."

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