/ 23 October 2006

Police chief caught driving while using cellphone

A police chief in southern England was caught driving his car while using his cellphone, an offence here, by a motorist who followed him, the Times reported on Monday.

Guy Darby, Chief Superintendent in the county of Surrey, southern England, was reprimanded by his force and ordered to pay £30, the equivalent of the penalty fine, to charity.

A motorist followed Darby to his station after the officer cut in front of him while talking on his cellphone.

Using a cellphone while driving has been illegal in Britain since December 2003 unless drivers have a hands-free kit.

“If this incident highlights these dangers to anyone else, then it will be worth the embarrassment I am feeling,” Darby said in a statement.

“Answering my mobile while driving was a serious error of judgement.” — AFP