POLICE pulled over a lorry driver on the A34 in Oxfordshire after he was seen using his phone while driving.
On closer inspection officers found the man, who was driving a 7.5 tonne truck, was also not wearing his seat belt.
Tweeting from the TVP Roads Policing account this morning, officers said they were 'amazed' that people still break the law regarding mobile phone use.
ALSO READ: Hundreds of Oxfordshire drivers caught using mobiles despite tougher law
They did not specify exactly where or when the driver was caught but warned that both offences are among the 'fatal four' for road accidents, along with speeding and the influence of drink or drugs.
The force tweeted a video of the A34 to show how busy it was at the time of the offences.
It amazes me that people are still using their mobile phones whilst driving. A34, Oxfordshire - a very busy road and this 7.5t lorry driver thinks it’s a good idea to use his phone and not wear a seatbelt. #twobirdsonestone again #P1079 #OXONRPU #Fatal4 pic.twitter.com/jF2x23icNu
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) March 11, 2019
Police have not yet confirmed if the man was issued with a fine.
Some drivers responded to the tweet stating that they often still see people using their phones while driving.
ALSO READ: Part of A34 closed in Oxford for 'emergency repairs'
One woman said: "I see dozens every day. Thanks for stopping this guy - I wish the penalties were tougher."
- WHAT IS THE LAW?
According to gov.uk, it is illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving or riding a motorcycle.
To use a device legally while driving it must be completely hands-free, such as via a voice command or bluetooth headset.
The law still applies if you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver.
- What is the punishment?
You can get six penalty points and a £200 fine, or even lose your licence if you have passed your driving test in the last two years.
You can also get three penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead - for example, if your sat nav mount is blocking the windscreen.
More serious offences can also result in a driving ban and maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 for a lorry or bus) in the courts.
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