14 DAY TRIAL // Home Officer minister Liam Byrne pleaded guilty for using a mobile phone while driving. This is illegal in the UK and brought him a fine 100 pounds with 335 pounds costs and a 15 pounds victim surcharge. He was also given three points on his license.
Using mobile phones behind the wheel is forbidden in a great number of countries. The safety reasons behind this decision are clear, as using a cellular without wireless headsets can distract the driver's attention on the road. Thins stand even tighter when it comes to sending text messages as this also forces the handset user to keep his eyes on the phone and hands off the wheel.
Surprising enough, the Minister was caught breaking the law that he forwarded himself. The Immigration Minister explained the situation in a letter addressed to Sutton Coldfield Magistrates' Court. The man said that he was taking an important call on a deportation matter at the time. Still, the law makes no exceptions and will burden him with the same fine, giving no consideration to the circumstances. There are low chances that it will be of any importance in the eyes of people, especially in those who had to pay a fine on account of the same reasons, at a certain time.
Statistics show that almost 130,000 people have been penalized for the offence in 2005. Time has passed since then and there are high chances that the same happened with their number. "Mobile phone calls are still costing lives on our road. People should switch off their mobiles when they get into their cars so they will not be tempted to answer an incoming call", said Kevin Clinton, head of road safety.
In fact, there are high chances that the Home Officer minister Liam Byrne will be set as an example that nobody escapes the law and that there is no room for pardoning when taking on the cellular while driving.