Officers target mobile phone using drivers

By Ben Fitzgerald - 8 May 2019

CommunityCrime

Officers from Swindon South Community Policing Team carried out an operation to support a national campaign targeting mobile phone use while driving.

The operation took place on April 23 and focused on high risk areas including schools and busy pedestrian areas, such as the roads leading into the town centre. 
 
In total, five tickets were issued to drivers in relation to mobile phone use while driving. A decision will be made at a later date as to whether a fine will be issued or whether they should be dealt with in court. 
 
A vehicle with no tax was also seized, and another driver was arrested after officers spotted her using a mobile phone to record police at an incident while she was driving.  

Melissa Middlemass, 42, of Boness Road, Wroughton, was later charged with drink driving, and driving while using a mobile phone.

She appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court on April 24 where she pleaded guilty to both charges and was disqualified from driving for 30 months for the drink driving offence, and was ordered to pay £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, a £76 fine and £85 to fund victim services for using her mobile phone at the wheel.
 
A/Sgt Beckie Diamon said: “This operation was held in support of the national campaign and was a good opportunity to raise awareness of the increased risk of mobile phone use when driving and the implications of continued offending. Using a mobile phone and other electronic devices whilst driving seriously increases the risk of a collision, and your driving ability is reduced.”

 

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