Ambulance driver spotted on mobile phone

A patient transport ambulance driver has been videoed using his handheld and hands free mobile devices whilst waiting at a level crossing in East Preston.

Dwayne Hards, LCN's founder, was on the top of a double decker bus and saw an ambulance driver on his mobile phone whilst waiting in a queue of traffic at a level crossing so he took a video of the driver and emailed South Central Ambulance Service to complain.

The ambulance driver was filmed using his phones on 10th December 2021 just after 9:30am.

The ambulance driver was videoed happily tapping away at his devices.

It is an offence to use a handheld device when the engine is running or the vehicle is in a queue of traffic.

The offences also include: using a handheld device in a traffic jam, at traffic lights, or at a level crossing; touching a handheld device whilst the engine is running even if parked in a parking space; and using a handheld device whilst supervising a learner driver.

Drivers can be fined £200, be awarded with six penalty points, be prosecuted, and/or be banned from driving if they break the law by using a handheld device whilst driving.

Dwayne said: "I feel incredibly shocked to have seen an ambulance driver on their phone because, in that profession, I think they should know better. I will say that this one incident does not mean all paramedics use their phones whilst driving, however, those who do should be dismissed."

If police feel you are distracted by using a hands free device, they can prosecute or fine you for careless driving or driving without due care and attention.

The police were discussing seizing distracted phones in 2017, according to an article published by The Sun.

South Central Ambulance Service said: "We take all reports from members of the public very seriously. Thank you for raising this matter and you have our assurances that it will be dealt with at the appropriate level."