Four charged with using mobile phones while driving

Police say two drivers were stopped on South Coast Road in Peacehaven on Thursday (March 2).

They included 32-year-old Adrian Stroe, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, who alledgedly held his phone in his hand as he used it as a sat nav.

Stroe will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on March 21.

Police say they also stopped Todor Todorov, 38, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, who was allegedly both using his phone and was driving without insurance.

He will appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on March 24.

On the same day officers stopped 70-year-old Barbara Hill, of Evelyn Road, Richmond in Surrey. She was alledgedly using her mobile phone as she drove along Falmer Road in Rottingdean.

Ms Hill will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on March 21.

On Friday (March 3) officers stopped Sergio Gordon Watson, 50, of The Old Racecourse, Lewes.

He allegedly used his phone while driving along Malling Hill in Lewes. Mr Gordon Watson will appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on March 24.

Sergeant Phil Badman from the Roads Policing Unit said: “It is extremely disappointing to see that people are still taking the risk of using their mobile phone while driving. They are not only putting themselves at risk but also the lives of other road users and pedestrians.

“I would like to remind all drivers that no call is so important that it can’t wait until you’ve reached your destination and that if you’re using your phone as a sat nav it should be set before you begin your journey.”

Following the introduction of the new penalties, drivers caught using a mobile phone when driving will receive six penalty points on their licence as well as a fine.