Police start blitz on drivers using their mobile phones

BY NEWS REPORTER
shuz@slpmedia.co.uk

The Met’s Road and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) is carrying out a blitz  on motorists unlawfully using their mobile phones

They will particularly be patrolling collision hotspot areas in an unmarked HGV cab, which gives them the upper hand as they are able to see – from their elevated position – motorists driving while using a phone.

The cab is also fitted with cameras to film drivers using their phones. Officers who spot any unlawful behaviour by motorists, lorry drivers, cyclists and other road users will then notify policing colleagues to intercept them.

The week of action also coincides with Operation Safeway, the RTPC’s operation to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads, rid London’s roads of the most dangerous road crime offenders, and educate all road users about their responsibilities to make the roads safer.

Other offences will also be targeted, such as travelling too fast, failure to wear seat belts, red light violation, failure to comply with advanced stop lines, vehicle defects and no insurance. In addition, road safety advice and information will be provided to the public where appropriate.

Commander Neil Jerome, from the Territorial Policing Command, said: “The Met is working hard to reduce collisions and the number of people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads.

“Throughout the week of action, traffic officers will be focused on non-compliant motorists who unlawfully use hand-held mobile devices while driving, or commit other road violations which pose a very real danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians.

“This is about reminding all road users of the importance of keeping themselves and others safe when on London’s roads, and that means concentrating on safe driving.”

Steve Burton, Director of Transport for London’s Compliance and Policing at Transport for London, said: “Using a hand-held phone or other devices, such as tablets, while driving, is both selfish and dangerous as it makes drivers four times more likely to be involved in a collision, which could have tragic consequences. This police-led Mobile Phone Week of Action shows that this type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated.

“As part of our Vision Zero approach to create a road network which is free from death or seriously injury, we’re working with the police to crack down on dangerous drivers who put themselves and other road users at risk, by enforcing offences such as using mobile phones, speeding or dangerous driving.”