The Dutch services once again surprise with their ingenuity. They have already carried out checks from the bus, camper and truck. This time the Dutch law enforcement officers have revealed a new way they catch drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel.
The police from the Central Netherlands have recently been carrying out roadside checks from an unmarked passenger car with a roof box. It contains a camera that records the drivers using their mobile phones whilst driving.
It is remote-controlled and allows the police officer to check even taller vehicles, e.g. delivery vans. According to the daily “De Telegraaf”, officers have already issued hundreds of fines on the basis of camera recordings.
Raymond Veldhuizen from the police in the Central Netherlands admits that the methods used so far, i.e. checks from a truck, bus or camper, have not produced the expected results. In his opinion, the new method is much more effective and will probably be adopted in other regions of the country as well.
Politie gebruikt skibox-camera als wapen tegen appende automobilist https://t.co/64g1Uxn5K3 via @telegraaf Leuk bedacht hoor maar het helpt niet tegen die hufters. Aanhouden en mobieltje innemen, dat helpt. Dat moeten ze telkens opnieuw al hun gegevens in gaan voeren.
— Frans de Wit (@FransLDeWit) February 23, 2019
Penalties for the use of telephones in Europe
The awareness of the dangers of using the phone while driving is increasing. More and more European countries are tightening penalties for using the phone while driving. For example, in France, drivers have to reckon with the fines of 135 euros and 3 penalty points for using telephones. The penalty is imposed on persons who use the telephone not only while driving but also at a standstill. The ban also applies to the use of headphones and their wireless equivalents.
In Germany, at the end of 2017, the rules were stricter and the number of penalties imposed was increased. Using the mobile phone while driving is punished with a fine of 100 euros, i.e. 40 euros more than before. In Sweden, in order to increase road safety, the government decided to ban all mobile phones while driving. The exception is the use of the hands-free system. The penalty for breaking the provision is 1.6 thousand. Swedish krones.
Drivers on the road in the UK are subject to a fine of up to 200 British pounds and 6 penalty points for a telephone call while driving. The second offence of this type is punished with another mandate, 12 penalty points and a court hearing.
Photo: Pxhere.com/CC0