By now you should know what you can and can’t do whilst driving a vehicle. Any vehicle, not just a van. It does seem though, that some folks need to be constantly reminded of these facts, as some of our weekly stories illustrate.
Hands-free or not at all
Holding your mobile phone whilst driving is a definite no-no; especially more so since the recent changes to the Highway Code. However, one driver in Pembrokeshire was recently fined £220 plus costs of £90. He also had the privilege of having 3 points on his licence. The driver was charged with “not being in proper control of a vehicle, ” a Transit van. The driver had been spotted by police using his phone whilst driving. The driver also failed to attend the court hearing!
Dangerous driving
Another van driver was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison after being chased and finally caught by Thames Valley Police. The driver had been travelling at 90mph on the M40 but then left the motorway to carry on at this speed on the A40. Driving erratically and putting other road users at risk, the driver was found to be under the influence of drugs along with having no valid driving licence and no van insurance.
Motorists keeping North Yorkshire Police busy
A van driver was being observed by a team of officers in an unmarked police vehicle, to target lawbreakers on the roads, in this case, the A1M near Wetherby. Not only was the driver in question not wearing a seatbelt, but he was also using his mobile phone. When he saw that he was being filmed by the officers, he reacted by sticking two fingers up at them.
It will come as no surprise to find he was fined £200 and 6 penalty points on his licence.
On patrol in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police were recently on patrol when they decided to investigate a white van and the driver at a roadside stop. One of the officers said he instinctively knew something wasn’t quite right although initially the van was stopped due to defective lights. Further investigation led to the discovery of the vehicle having no tax nor valid MOT and the driver’s licence had been revoked. A definite case of “you’re nicked, sunshine”.
Don’t take any chances, and don’t get caught out without insurance. Have a quick check for the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.