Reports of police seizing mobile phones after every road traffic collision are inaccurate

Following wide reporting that guidance has been issued to officers to examine or seize mobile phones after every road traffic collision today (Saturday, July 26), the National Policing Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, has issued the following statement:

"At no point have I issued guidance to officers to seize mobile phones from drivers at the site of every road traffic collision.

"It is fair to say that we as a service are looking at ways of making officers and drivers more aware of the difference between the offences of driving while not in proper control of the vehicle - which is a distraction offence - and driving while using a mobile phone. Part of this process involves making sure officers know the best means of using information within a driver's mobile phone when building evidence for a successful prosecution, such as finding from call or text logs if the phone was in use at the time of an incident.

"It has been standard practice to seize mobile phones from drivers at the scenes of very serious collisions for some time as part of the information and evidence gathering process, but it is not now, nor will it be, standard practice to seize phones from drivers after every collision.

"Drivers must continue to be aware not only of the risks posed by being distracted by mobile phones while in control of a car, but the serious penalties which they will face if they are caught. We are unequivocal in our determination to keep all road users safe."

ENDS

For more information please contact

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk