CAUGHT RED HANDED: Private hire driver caught accepting app booking on M25 handed fine and points

Image credit: Surrey Roads Policing Unit

A private hire driver was slapped with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine after picking up their phone to accept a fare on the M25.

Police officers spotted the driver interacting with his phone on the busy M25 motorway this morning.

When pulled over the driver told police he was accepting work via an app on his mobile device.

Rule changes earlier this year means motorists are now deemed to be breaking the law if they use a HANDHELD mobile phone behind the wheel for any use, including to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games – as the Government closes a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction.

Anyone caught holding their device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as 6 points on their licence or a full driving ban.

Surrey Roads Policing Unit said: “The driver of this PHV was seen holding a mobile phone in their hand and interacting with the screen on the M25 this morning.

“The driver admitted he had been accepting a job on an app.

“A £200 fine and 6 points were issued to the driver.”

Surrey Roads Policing Unit added: “For the mobile phone offence the mobile phone must be handheld.

“Other offences such as ‘not in position to have proper control’ can still be committed if interacting with a mobile phone in a cradle.

“For example you are witnessed by a police officer interacting with a mobile phone while it is in a cradle and the manner of your driving is affected by that interaction (weaving in the lane etc) then you could face prosecution.”