A 19-year-old driving a Ford Focus just became the first driver to lose his license under a new zero-tolerance traffic law.
The teen, who allowed reporters to use his photograph but would not reveal his name, said his mum was “going to kill him” when she finds out.
In an effort to crack down on accidents caused by distracted drivers, a new law was introduced this week that has greater penalties for using a mobile phone while driving. In 2015 22 people were killed an 99 were seriously injured by drivers who were using a phone behind the wheel.
Police caught the 19-year-old boy using a GPS app to find a parking garage while operating the vehicle. In accordance with the new law, the teenager was given a six point penalty and a £200 fine. Since the offense occurred within two years of his driving test, this teen will be losing his license. More experienced drivers must accrue 12 points to lose their license.
The Sun interviewed the unnamed teen who said “I just feel p***ed off to be honest. All I was doing was trying to find a garage to change my tyre.”
The teen admitted that he was at fault and could not disagree with the penalty he was given. Officers caught nine other offenders within a few minutes. “It was my stupid fault. I think the new rules are fair – it’s going to stop people,” said the driver of a Red Suzuki.
“I think it’s quite a lot. I have heard about it it but I didn’t expect it would happen to me. I never normally use my phone while driving I was just in slow traffic. I think the points are not fair but the fine is fair,” complained a driver of a white Toyota.
According to a report by the Department of Transport, drivers can not use a hand held phone at any point while their engine is running, even at traffic lights. Drivers can conduct hands free activities as long as they are truly hands free. That includes listening to music or following a GPS system, but the phone must be mounted in a hands free holder or connected by Bluetooth or earphones. Using a handheld microphone or holding a mobile phone is illegal while operating a vehicle.
Drivers can pull over to use their mobile phone, but the vehicle must be legally parked with the engine shut off. The only exception to this rule is an emergency situation requiring the driver to call either 999 or 112 while they are unable to safely stop.
Contact the Department of Transport for a full explanation of this new law.