- Suffolk Police are warning drivers about the consequences of filming collision scenes, as several motorists were caught offending during an incident in August.
Following a serious road traffic collision on the A14 – which resulted in the closure of one of the carriageways for several hours – seven motorists driving on the opposite carriageway were caught filming the collision scene as they drove past, four of whom were HGV drivers.
Their details were recorded by officers at the scene and they have all been issued with Traffic Offence Reports for driving without due care and attention.
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving – or riding a motorcycle – and you must stay in control of your vehicle at all times. Police officers can stop you if they think you are not in control because you are distracted.Motorists can be prosecuted if they are caught offending and the law still applies if you are:
– stopped at traffic lights
– queuing in traffic
– supervising a learner driver
The basic penalty for driving whilst using a mobile phone is a £200 fine and six points on your licence. Anyone who has passed their driving test in the last two years would lose their licence as a consequence of this.
Alternatively, you might be taken to court which could result in a driving ban and a maximum fine of £1,000 (or £2,500 if you are driving a lorry or bus).
Contacting the Police
Suffolk Constabulary is urging more residents to consider using alternative methods of contacting the force in its latest campaign.
The Contact and Control Room (CCR) continues to receive high volumes of calls particularly at weekends and during holiday periods. With the surge in calls, this can inevitably mean there is an impact on waiting times.
Instead of waiting on the phone, residents can go to the force’s website and report non-urgent crime online by clicking the ‘report something’ button. The matter will then be dealt with in the same way as a call to 101 – It may even be quicker and more convenient.
To report something, visit: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us
For advice regarding crime prevention, anti-social behaviour, animal protection and many other matters, head to: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice