UK News
Immigration minister fined for using mobile phone while driving
By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Nov 2, 2007, 12:31 GMT
Indian models displaying the newly launched LG Electronics full metal body mobile phone \'Shine\' in New Delhi, India on 30 August 2007. EPA/STR
(M&C) - The UK Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, has been fined for talking on a mobile phone while driving.
Mr Byrne told the Sutton Coldfield magistrates’ court that he was taking an important call on a deportation at the time he was pulled over by police on July 6 in Birmingham and apologised for breaking the road rules.
The magistrate ordered Mr Byrne to pay £35 costs and a £15 victim surcharge, and imposed three penalty points on his licence.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) criticised the 37-year-old Minister for his action saying, “The annoying thing is the implication that the minister’s phone call while driving was so important that he couldn’t pull over to take it,” a spokesman said.
“That is totally unacceptable: everybody who has a mobile phone, a car and a job could try to claim that by way of mitigation. It is imperative that ministers lead by example. If this call was so important, it should never have taken place at the wheel of the car.”
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Older Talkback
page: 1
This is too silly for words. lol.
..and I don't expect he's heard of a 'hands free' when he's driving a speed along the road
LOL
Its a type of telephone ,Son!
snigger.
page: 1
BritNov 3rd, 2007 - 18:01:16
Another 'Do as I say and not as I do' government minister.
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