London licensed minicab driver hit with fine and and penalty points for using phone while driving

A London licensed private hire driver has been hit with a fine and penalty points after being caught using a mobile phone while driving.

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Policing Unit, turned to social media to highlight the incident, acting as a reminder to those who risk the illegal manoeuvre.

A spokesperson for the team said: "Suitably contrite taxi [private hire] driver stopped in Luton using his mobile while driving. 6 points and fine to follow."

In the image posted by the force, the offender can be seen standing alongside his vehicle which has a Transport for London licensed roundel sticker on its rear window. All London licensed private hire cars must clearly have a roundel to show it is licensed to be used as a pre-booked minicab.

It's an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving a motor vehicle. Under current UK law, 'driving' includes being stationary if the engine is running, including in traffic queues and at traffic lights.

Prosecutions for these offences carry a standard £200 fine and 6 penalty points, with a maximum of up to £1000 and 6 penalty points on your driving licence.

The fine can rise to £2,500 if you are caught behind the wheel of a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle.

Image credit: Twitter- @roadpoliceBCH