MOTORMOUTH
Driver films moment he confronted policeman who was on the phone ‘with car’s engine still running’
West Yorkshire Police's professional standards department are investigating the incident which took place on Nelson Street in Bradford
A COP was caught red-handed using a mobile phone while at the wheel of a patrol car.
Passing members of the public confronted the officer as they drove past the parked police car, telling the police was breaking the law because the key was in the ignition.
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But the cop claimed on camera that the vehicle was "on standby" and insisted he was not breaking the law because the handbrake was on.
The law states it is illegal for motorists to hold a mobile phone when the driver is in control of the car.
It is legal for drivers to hold a phone when "safely parked" but this requires the keys to be out of the ignition.
The confrontation happened near a police station in Bradford on Sunday and is now being investigated by West Yorkshire Police's professional standards department after the officer reported it to his supervisor.
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The officer, seen holding a mobile phone to his ear, is forced to interrupt his conversation when one of the men says: "You're not allowed on your phone with the ignition on.
"I thought that was against the law."
The officer then hangs up the phone and says: "The handbrake's on, in neutral, it's on standby."
But the man tells him to "have a look at your law again" and films the patrol car number plate before driving away.
Can you use your phone when the engine's running?
- Using your phone in a car is only legal if you are safely parked.
- This does not include waiting in traffic or when sat at the traffic lights.
- The only exceptions are in emergencies - you can use your phone to make 999 or 112 calls on a hand-held device, but only if it's not otherwsie safe to stop.
- You are also ont allowed to use your phone when the engine is running.
- Using hands-free phone kits is currenlty legal in the UK, although police still have the right to penalise any hands-free user they think is being distracted and isn't in control of their vehicle.
Source: RAC
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New laws passed in March last year saw the punishment for offenders double to a £200 fine and six penalty points.
West Yorkshire Police did not confirm whether the officer's engine was running during the incident.
Some social media users were livid with the footage.
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Norman Idrees wrote: "If it was the other way around someone would've had a ticket for it. I think West Yorkshire Police need to investigate the footage and take it further."
William Collim said: "Fed up with cops getting away with stuff they do the rest of us for. Double standards."
A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "The officer self-referred this matter to his supervision. West Yorkshire Police's professional standards department has been informed and is currently looking into the matter."
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