A COUPLE has been left fuming after receiving a £200 driving fine they claim makes ‘no sense’.
Susan McCauley and Ian Broadhand, from Ealand, Lincolnshire, slammed the penalty as “ludicrous”.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online, Susan explained how van driver Ian had been travelling along a dual carriageway on the Norfolk/Suffolk border when he was filmed by plainclothes cops in an unmarked HGV.
He was then pulled over and accused of using his phone while driving, with a penalty notice following soon after.
However, he is adamant he never used his mobile while in control of the car and only had it resting on his knee to listen to his sat nav app, which he had switched on before setting out.
Susan said: “He’s never had a speeding fine, he’s a brilliant driver he’s good as gold.
“Now he’s facing going to court. He would lose his job and risks losing his HGV licence… he can’t sleep.
“He’s two years off retiring, it’s awful.”
She explained that she had contacted the authorities to try and get a copy of the video evidence they cited in the letter, but claimed her request was initially refused.
When they finally got the tape, she and Ian were left non-plussed as, they say, you can’t see him using the phone.
The Sun Online has reviewed the footage and there does not appear to be a clear shot of any device usage.
Susan fumed: “It’s ludicrous, you can’t see anything.
“There’s nothing on it.”
She claimed Ian offered to let officers check both his work and personal phones to prove he had not used them, but that this made no difference.
The couple are now gearing up for a court battle but say legal advice is “too expensive”.
Susan also hit out at a lack of clarity around the rules governing the use of “handheld” devices while driving.
She said: “The law is so unclear and so unfair.
“All [Ian’s] done is work his socks off and now he’s at risk of losing his job, his livelihood and his pride.”
The Highway Code prohibits using any mobile device while in control of a vehicle.
This includes any time the vehicle has its engine switched on, even if it is stopped.
There are, though, exceptions for portable satnavs as well as making contactless payments at drive-thru restaurants.
However, if the sat nav blocks your view or is considered to be distracting you, you can be fined for driving without due care and attention.
Suffolk Police declined to comment.
