ESSEX: We name and shame mobile phone drivers

By sbodycomb

TODAY the Chronicle is taking the unprecedented step of naming and shaming motorists caught using their mobile phones at the wheel.

Despite tougher penalties and hardline police campaigns, motorists are still endangering the lives of other road users and pedestrians by using their phones while driving.

We took to the roads with Essex Police in a bid to highlight the problem, but for some it just did not sink in.

When asked why she was on the phone, Gemma Dean said she was paying another fine she had been given for the same offence!

She added: "I don't like people telling me how to live my life. I know I am a safe driver and I'm not going to run anyone over."

Asked if she considered the risk of hurting someone else while using her phone while driving, she answered: "I don't really care."

It was not Stephen Reynolds' lucky day when he was pulled over after being spotted using his phone while driving close to Chelmer Village, Chelmsford.

Mr Reynolds, 35, of Chelmsford, said: "It has not been a good day – I had £1,000 worth of tools stolen this morning, and was just reporting it to my boss."

Company director Nicholas Skelton, 23, of Basildon, admitted he had been checking his voicemail when he was spotted with a phone pressed to his ear.

Mr Skelton said: "I have no excuse – I shouldn't have done it. I haven't been stopped for using a phone while driving before – I definitely won't do it again."

Barry Cargill, 38, of Braintree, said: "I have a Bluetooth which I usually use, but today I forgot to connect it up.

"This is just another form of tax, like speed cameras – how come it is safe to use a sat-nav or change your radio station while driving, but it isn't safe to use a phone?"

Yi Hang Chan, of West Mersea, was spotted using his phone to read a text message while driving above the speed limit along the A12.

He said: "I knew it was illegal but I didn't think – I feel a bit stupid now."

Craig Shelley, 28, of Boreham, was using his phone to take a work-related call, close to his home in the village as he arrived back from work.

He said: "I have no excuse. I just wasn't thinking about what I was doing. I answered the phone – I know I shouldn't have done it."

All the drivers caught admitted using phones while driving and are expected to be fined and have points on their licence.

Where do you stand on the driving while phoning debate? Call the Newsdesk on 01245 603360, email us at Newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk or have your say at www.thisistotalessex.co.uk.

Buy this week's Chronicle for more on the issue and to see if you were pictured on the phone behind the wheel by our photographers.