Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy has been arrested for texting while driving a vintage Routemaster bus in London, sparking concerns about road safety.
The rail minister, Lord Peter Hendy, has reported himself to the police after being spotted using a mobile phone while driving a vintage Routemaster bus in London during a charity tour.
Lord Peter Hendy is a British railway executive and expert in transportation management.
He served as the Chief Executive of Network Rail from 2007 to 2016, overseeing significant improvements in the UK's rail network.
Hendy was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2013 for his services to transport.
He has also held various positions within the industry, including Director-General of the Strategic Rail Authority and Chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport.
A passenger saw Lord Hendy texting behind the wheel of the double-decker last month. He was reported to the Metropolitan police on 31 March by the passenger who had taken part in the tour three days earlier. It is understood that the peer had been contacting a friend about a prostate cancer test during an event to support the Railway Family charity.
Lord Hendy has apologised for what has been described as an “error of judgment” and has contacted the police. A spokesperson for Hendy said: “Last month Peter Hendy used his phone while driving. He has apologised in full for this error of judgment and has contacted the police.”
The Metropolitan police initially closed the case due to lack of evidence but reopened it after Lord Hendy admitted to using his phone behind the wheel. He is expected to receive six points on his driving licence and a fine.
The organisers of the Railway Family fundraiser said they had not received any formal complaint at the time of the incident. However, one conversation from the complainant was sent in the form of a text message, informing them that Lord Hendy had reported himself to the Metropolitan police. The charity stated that they reiterate their hope for a fair investigation and expressed regret that the positive event ended in this way.
The incident raises concerns about road safety and the importance of adhering to traffic laws. Railway professionals, who work with safe systems of work and rules and regulations about safe practice, have spoken out against unsafe practices. The charity organisers emphasise their support for Lord Hendy‘s fundraising efforts but condemn his actions on that day.
Their statement highlights the need for vigilance in maintaining road safety standards, even among those in positions of authority.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of 'road traffic accidents' worldwide.
In the United States, it's estimated that there are over 6 million car crashes annually, resulting in over 2 million injuries and 37,000 fatalities.
The majority of these incidents involve speeding, distracted driving, or failure to wear seatbelts.
Implementing strict traffic laws, increasing public awareness campaigns, and investing in road infrastructure can significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.
