TfL-licensed minicab driver caught using phone at 50mph in heavy rain after previous conviction
- Perry Richardson
- 4 minutes ago
- 1 min read
A Transport for London (TfL) licensed private hire driver has been caught using his mobile phone at 50mph in heavy rain near Gatwick, despite being convicted just last month for driving without due care and attention.
Surrey RoadSafe officers, operating as part of Operation Tramline, stopped the driver after he was seen using his phone behind the wheel of a white TfL-licensed vehicle. The same driver had recently received five penalty points for a previous careless driving offence.
Police said the vehicle was observed travelling at motorway speeds in poor weather conditions, with officers noting that distracted driving remains one of the “Fatal 5” causes of serious and fatal collisions.
A Surrey RoadSafe spokesperson said: “Just a split second of inattention — a glance at your phone — can be enough to change lives forever. Put it away before you drive. No message or call is worth the risk.”
The incident highlights continuing concerns about mobile phone use among professional drivers. TfL regulations require all licensed drivers to demonstrate high standards of safety and professionalism, with the use of handheld devices strictly prohibited while driving.
The case will now likely be referred to TfL’s licensing authorities for review, where further disciplinary action could follow.
