The Chief Constable of Essex has called on haulage companies and others to sack drivers caught texting while on the road. Last year, 6,800 tickets were issued in Essex only for illegal mobile phone use.
However, others argue that the result of the disciplinary should depend on the circumstances, such as whether it is the first offence or a repeat offence, and whether the driver has been put under pressure to use the phone by the company.
Using a mobile phone hand-held while driving has been illegal since 2003 and those caught face a £60 fine and three penalty points.
Drivers also face a suspension of their vocational licence once the matter is heard by the Traffic Commissioner. The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s statutory guidance states that the starting point for the use of a mobile phone is to “suspend vocational entitlement for 14 days, 21 days if driving a commercial vehicle.”
For advice on mobile phone offences or for any general queries on transport law, contact Jared Dunbar at Dyne Solicitors on 01829 773 100.
Content is believed to be correct at time of writing. Content written on 20 August 2013.