Times: British minister may be penalized for using a phone while driving
UK law enforcement authorities may launch an investigation into the country’s railways minister Peter Hendy for using a cell phone while driving, the British newspaper Times reports, citing the minister’s spokesman.
“Last month, (Rail Minister – ed.) Peter Hendy used his phone while driving. He has fully apologized for the mistake and contacted the police,” the newspaper quoted the minister’s spokesman as saying.
According to the Times, Rail Minister Peter Hendy was giving a tour of London on a double-decker bus when a passenger noticed him using his phone while driving. Despite Hendy’s apology, the passenger went to the police, but law enforcement initially said there was insufficient evidence to investigate further. The minister himself then confirmed the offense to police.
“It is likely (this – ed.) will lead to him facing criminal penalties and a possible review of ministerial standards,” the publication adds.
As the publication points out, using a cell phone while driving will result in the recording of six penalty points on a driver’s record (12 points over three years is required for a driver’s license to be revoked), as well as a fine of £200. It is noted that in some cases the result could be a driving ban and a larger fine of up to £2,500.
According to the newspaper, Hendy is unlikely to face a driving ban as he has few penalty points.
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