Motorists caught photographing collision scene set to be prosecuted

Police are issuing a warning to motorists not to photograph or film collision scenes whilst driving, following an incident in Haverhill.

Officers were called at 5.25am yesterday morning, Thursday, August 22, to reports that a lorry had gone straight over a roundabout in Enterprise Way (pictured above).

The driver of the lorry is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries, but he was taken to hospital for a check-up.

Whilst in attendance at the collision, officers caught 18 drivers taking either photographs or videos of the scene.

Those motorists can expect to receive a notice in the post requesting driver details, resulting in a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.

Officers also witnessed a van drive the wrong way around the roundabout and down a stretch of grass to avoid the closure, the driver of which can also expect to receive a notice of intended prosecution in the post for driving without due care and attention.

PC Wayne Sturman, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: “It was incredibly disappointing to see so many people flouting the law in front of our eyes by taking photos or videos of the collision scene.

“Two of the 18 people were themselves behind the wheel of an HGV, which was particularly thoughtless and negligent of them as professional drivers – especially given the collision involved a lorry and the damage they can cause.

“Using a phone whilst driving is dangerous – even more so in this scenario where drivers are likely to be further distracted by the collision scene.

“Those drivers we caught will now pay the penalty both financially and with points on their licence – and if anyone was a new driver who has passed in the last two years, then six points means they will lose their licence.”