"One Rule for Them?" – Durham Police Officer Caught Allegedly Flouting the Law Whilst Driving..

The officer was caught allegedly using a mobile phone whilst driving on the A19 on Teesside

Its claimed the officer allegedly working for Durham Constabulary was driving whilst using a mobile phone on the A19 as well as numerous other alleged traffic offences.

2nd July 2025

A Durham Police officer has allegedly been caught red-handed using a mobile phone whilst driving a marked transit van — a blatant breach of the very laws they’re supposedly paid to enforce.

The image, shared on social media on July 1st, appears to show the officer with one hand on the wheel and the other on a handheld device whilst driving on the A19 — a busy stretch of road where split-second lapses can cost lives.

Using a mobile phone whilst driving can incur a fine & six penalty points on your licence

Under UK law, it is a criminal offence to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. The legislation is simple — using a handheld device behind the wheel can land you six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Witnesses claim the officer also showed a lack of due care and attention — failing to cancel his indicator, disrupting traffic, and allegedly speeding. As if that wasn’t enough, its claimed questions have also emerged over the vehicle itself, where its said that despite being reportedly exempt from MOT testing, checks show no evidence that the vehicle has ever been presented for a valid MOT or even passed a roadworthiness inspection at the forces designated police vehicle inspection centre..

Despite its first MOT being due in 2023, there's no evidence to show its even been presented for a basic roadworthiness inspection at s designated police inspection centre

A Culture of Double Standards

Critics argue this is further proof of a culture of double standards within Durham Police — a force increasingly accused of operating a “two-tier system” where officers are seen to be operating above the law, Whilst ordinary residents face the full force of it for far less.

Its claimed the driver of the vehicle is not being investigated by Durham Polices operational standards division.

Corrections.

The original article made reference to the officer working for Cleveland Police, however after further investigation, it reveals the officer was working for Durham Constabulary.

Durham & Teesside Today are only happy to correct the article & have done so reflecting the new information