Drivers fined for taking photos of lorry crash

The lorry crashed into the middle of the roundabout in Haverhill

Police have issued fines to drivers caught taking pictures of a lorry that had crashed on a roundabout.

Suffolk Police was called at 05:25 BST on Thursday to reports a lorry had gone straight over a roundabout in Enterprise Way, Haverhill.

The driver of the lorry took himself to hospital following the crash and it is not believed he sustained any serious injuries.

However, officers at the scene caught 18 drivers taking photos and videos of the scene and have warned others against doing the same.

Police said 18 drivers were caught taking footage of the collision in Haverhill

PC Wayne Sturman, of the force's Commercial Vehicle Unit, said drivers caught would be fined £200 and issued six penalty points.

"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," he said.

"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."

Officers said they also witnessed a van drive the wrong way around the roundabout and down a stretch of grass to avoid the closure.

A police spokesperson said this person could expect to receive a notice of intended prosecution in the post for driving without due care and attention.