Driver Fined After Letting Passengers Out on Busy A27 Dual Carriageway
A Tesla driver has been slammed by the courts for letting passengers out on a busy two-lane stretch of the A27 near Falmer — a move that caused chaos on the road.
Risky Move Sparks Near Crash
Helen Phadnis, 43, from Shirley Drive, Hove, was caught after allowing her passengers to step onto the high-speed eastbound carriageway on May 8. A motorcyclist behind her was forced to brake sharply to avoid a collision as the passengers hurried to the roadside grass.
Discharging passengers on a dual carriageway is illegal and extremely dangerous, police warned.
Heavy Penalty for Careless Driving
Phadnis pleaded guilty to careless driving at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on December 8 and was hit with a £640 fine, plus a £256 surcharge, £90 costs, and five penalty points on her licence.
Police Crackdown on A27 Safety
“Allowing passengers to alight on the A27 is extremely dangerous,” said Sergeant Eaton of Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit. “Their presence on the carriageway with multiple lanes of traffic puts all road users at risk.”
“We will prosecute any drivers, including taxis, who let passengers out on the carriageway. This is especially important on Brighton & Hove Albion match days and during events at Stanmer Park. Courts take a dim view of such offences, and offenders will be punished accordingly.”
Sussex Police are using this case to warn motorists to stay safe and smart on the busy A27.
