A lorry driver has been for using a mobile phone at the wheel of a fuel tanker on the A27 in Brighton.
Sussex Police said: “A petrol tanker driver who was seen by police using a mobile phone while driving on the A27 near Brighton has been convicted.
“Sedat San was spotted by officers from the Arundel Roads Policing Unit using the device as he travelled east at Falmer at about 3.35pm on 5 November 2016.
“The 37-year-old, of St John’s Road, Dartford, Kent, was pulled over and, due to the seriousness of the offence, he was summonsed to court.”
PC Jon Bennion-Jones, who witnessed the offence, said: “Myself and my colleague couldn’t believe what we were seeing.
“San was driving a fuel tanker on the A27 dual carriageway, heading towards the junction for Falmer, which is well known for queuing traffic building up and, while doing this, he deemed it appropriate to concentrate on checking his phone instead of driving.”
San was found guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (18 September) of using a mobile phone while driving.
He was banned for three months and fined £340. He was ordered to pay £620 in costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
PC Bennion-Jones added: “San’s disqualification reflects the seriousness of the offence he committed.
“Being in charge of any vehicle and using a phone is unacceptable but being in charge of a large vehicle like a fuel tanker and doing so is outrageous.
“The sentence he received should be a stark message to anyone who thinks it is ok to drive and use their phone, no matter for what purpose.”
Under new legislation introduced in March, anyone caught using a mobile device while driving faces a £200 fine and six points on their licence. The previous penalty was a £100 fine and three points.
New drivers caught committing the offence, who have passed their test in the previous last two years, will be banned immediately.
The law still applies to drivers stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver.
