Crawley, October 29, 2024 — A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver was stopped by the Vanguard Road Safety Team on the M23 near Crawley after officers observed him using a handheld mobile phone while driving.
During the stop, officers were further concerned to find that the HGV’s internal camera had been deliberately covered, obscuring its view. The driver received a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) for the offence, resulting in a fine and six penalty points on his license.
The driver’s employer was also notified of the incident, and the Traffic Commissioner was informed to assess potential further action against the driver and company.
A spokesperson for the Vanguard Road Safety Team said, “Using a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs reaction times and puts lives at risk, especially in large vehicles like HGVs. Covering internal cameras is equally concerning as it compromises safety monitoring.
The stop serves as a reminder to all drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, particularly within the commercial driving sector.
