REPORTED: Taxi driver travelling 70mph caught using mobile phone on M25 with passengers onboard
A taxi driver on the M25 has been reported for using a handheld mobile phone while driving at 70mph with passengers in the vehicle.
The incident was flagged by Surrey Roads Policing’s Operation Tramline team, with evidence provided by a passenger in the form of a photograph. The driver was stopped and reported on the spot.
Using a handheld mobile device while driving is a clear breach of UK road safety laws. Current legislation prohibits any handheld use of mobile phones for calls, texts, or any other activity while behind the wheel. This restriction applies even when the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.
Penalties for using a handheld mobile phone while driving are severe. Offenders face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence. For new drivers, accumulating six points within two years of passing their test leads to an automatic disqualification. In more serious cases, such as when a driver causes an accident, penalties can include court appearances, larger fines, and even imprisonment.
Professional drivers, such as those driving taxi or private hire vehicles, have an even greater responsibility to ensure passenger safety. Handheld mobile phone use while carrying passengers can raise significant licensing issues.
A Surrey Roads Policing spokesperson said: “Operation tramline team consisting of Surrey RoadSafe officers yesterday observed this taxi driver doing 70mph on the M25 on his phone with passengers on board.
“Stopped and reported. (Photo taken by the passenger).”
