Hundreds of drivers handed fines for using their mobile phone behind the wheel in Met blitz

Police have slapped more than 400 fines on drivers using mobile phones while on the road in a three-week blitz.

The Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command teamed up with Transport for London for the operation.

Officers cracked down on the offence between February 8 and 21 also issuing 45 fines for dangerous or careless driving and 110 for driving vehicles with tinted windows which impaired their vision of the road.

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving is £200 plus six points on the offender’s licence.

Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens from 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.

“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.”

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