Gardener 'using mobile phone while on lawn-mower' charged with offence

The lawnmower belonging to the gardener who faces a fine by police for allegedly using a phone at the wheel
The lawnmower belonging to the gardener who faces a fine by police for alllegedly using a phone at the wheel Credit:  Wales News Service

A gardener is thought to have become the first person in Britain to be charged with using a mobile while operating a lawn-mower.

The council gardener faces a fine of £200 and six penalty points if he is found guilty of using his phone at the traffic lights outside of the police station in Ely, Cardiff, on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old man was followed by South Wales Police officers who spotted him allegedly using his mobile while driving along Cowbridge Road West.

Cardiff Council confirmed that he was a member of council staff and that he could face disciplinary action at a later date.

It added: “The council will be following up this matter in line with council policy and procedure.”

Accused of illegally using a phone at the wheel on a public road, the gardener is to appear at a magistrates court later this month.

The tweet from Welsh police identifying the lawnmower and the incident 
The tweet from Welsh police identifying the lawnmower and the incident  Credit:  Wales News Service

It has been illegal for a motorist to use a mobile phone while driving since 2003.

This includes handling the device, sending a text or following a map, even when the car is waiting at a set of traffic lights, as the engine is still running.

In 2017, stricter phone driving laws came into force in a bid to deter people from breaking the rules.

Heftier fines and penalty point endorsements were introduced, meaning that new drivers could face an immediate driving ban.

Motorists who are caught are liable to pay a fine of £200 or have six penalty points placed on their licence.

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