England supporters warned about phone use while driving
England supporters heading home from work this evening face potential fines reaching £2,500 if they peek at their mobile devices to follow tonight’s World Cup clash with Ghana, reports BritPanorama.
Vehicle specialist Paul Gorry from luxury motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail has issued a stark reminder that using handheld phones behind the wheel remains illegal, regardless of how tempting it might be to check the score.
Gorry cautioned that motorists racing to catch the opening whistle put themselves and others in danger, with the minimum speeding penalty standing at £100 plus three points on their licence. “Checking a score, message or filming may feel like a harmless action, but it’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or similar device while driving,” he warned.
Fans eager to watch Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel’s squad in their second group stage fixture, following last week’s victory over Croatia, should resist the urge to speed home before the 9pm kick-off. Drivers caught using a handheld device can expect six penalty points alongside a £200 fine, Gorry explained.
“In serious cases, drivers can also be taken to court, where they could face a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if they are driving a lorry or bus,” he said. Even a brief glance at a phone lasting mere seconds could trigger these penalties, adding to the growing concerns about road safety during peak game times.
For those desperate to keep track of the action while on the road, Gorry recommends a straightforward solution: tune into radio coverage instead. Listening to live commentary provides a perfectly legal way to stay updated on proceedings without risking prosecution. Motorists may also receive three penalty points if they fail to maintain a clear view of the road ahead or lose proper control of their vehicle.
The dangers of putting one’s foot down in a desperate bid to reach home or the pub before kick-off cannot be overstated, according to Gorry. “Speeding for kick-off or to reach the pub before the first whistle puts everyone around the driver at risk,” he warned.
Consequences become significantly more severe for those who already carry points on their licence, with disqualification looming for anyone accumulating a dozen points over a three-year period. The message is clear: no football match justifies gambling with your driving privileges.
