By Edward Trwer-
A police officer who was filmed using his mobile phone while driving a police van in Bradford city centre has been fined and issued with penalty points.
The officer was filmed on video using the device by Rizwan Desai, who was a passenger in a car in Hall Ings, Bradford, on March 15.
He took footage of the officer using his phone whilst waiting at traffic lights in the centre of Bradford, opposite the Bradford Hotel.
Mr Desai told how as the police van waited at a red traffic light, the officer driving gave a thumbs up to him and his friends in the car before putting his mobile phone to his ear. As the lights turned to green, the officer ended the call before setting off and turning left onto Bridge Street. All motorists are expected to drive carefully, without the distraction of mobile phones or any form of eating and drinking when a vehicle is in motion. Driving regulations are set to protect the wider public from accidents that happen daily in Britain.
Apart from drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs, most accidents are cause by the careless and unlawful practices of drivers. Police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards, it is always an embarrassment and disgrace when officers fail to uphold these standards. The officer may have been regulating his time on the phone with his driving, but he was breaking the law.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the officer admitted the offence following an investigation after the matter was reported by Mr Desai at Trafalgar House.
He was dealt with through the “single justice procedure”.
Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, of Bradford District Police, said: “The officer admitted to using his mobile phone while driving in Bradford on Thursday, March 15, and has been given a £200 fine and six points on his licence.
“A separate investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department ruled that he should receive management action and words of advice have been given.
“We demand the highest standards of our officers and staff and, where these standards are not upheld, we will investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action.”
Brake, the road safety charity, said that the police should be “setting an example” for good driving behaviour.
A spokesperson said: “It is highly dangerous to use a mobile phone behind the wheel and those who do so are selfishly putting lives at risk.
“We expect the police to be setting an example of good driving behaviour on our roads, not flouting the law, and it is right that this case is being investigated. Tough penalties and strict enforcement are needed to change the perception that phone use behind the wheel is ok.”