Taxi driver fined and reported for plugging in phone held in hand whilst driving
A taxi driver in Avon and Somerset has been fined and given penalty points after being caught holding a mobile phone while driving, despite no evidence of active use.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the force’s ‘Taxi Cop’, attended court on 22 January for the case. The officer observed the driver holding a phone in hand, which he believed was affecting the driver’s control of the vehicle. However, there was no clear evidence the driver was using the device.
In court, the driver claimed he was simply plugging the phone in to charge. As a result, he was convicted of the lesser offence of Driver Not in Proper Control of a Vehicle. Magistrates issued a £299 fine plus costs and added three penalty points to his licence.
The case has also been referred to the local Licensing Authority, though any further action by regulators remains unclear.
PC Patrick Quinton said on 23 January: “I was at Court yesterday (22 January) with a case involving a mobile phone.
“What made this one unusual, was although the driver was holding it in his hand, I could not see he was actually using it. I could see that it was affecting his driving though.
“At Court, he explained he was plugging the phone in to charge. As a result he was found guilty of the lesser charge of Driver Not In Proper Control Of Vehicle, and Magistrates sentenced the driver to 3 points, and £299 fine and costs.
“The matter has also been referred to the Licensing Authority although I do not know what action they have taken.”
