A council groundscare worker is thought to have become the first person in Britain to be charged with using a mobile while operating a lawnmower after being stopped outside a police station.

The Telegraph reported that a 47-year-old faces a fine of £200 and six penalty points if he is found guilty of using his phone at the traffic lights outside of police station in Ely, Cardiff recently.

Cardiff police Tweeted a picture of the mower used

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

The Telegraph report said that 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.”

In a jokey Tweet reporting the incident, SW Police Cardiff said, "Luckily he didn't mow anyone down! After learning of his impending £200 fine and 6 points he turned a shade of green!"

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.