THE deputy police and crime commissioner has apologised after being caught using his mobile phone while driving.
Paul Robinson, who was appointed as police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove's deputy last month, was seen using his phone on the Humber Bridge.
Mr Robinson was crossing the bridge on November 29 to attend a meeting with the Humberside Police south bank divisional commander.
"On my approach to the toll booth my mobile phone rang and I answered it and used my phone," he said.
"This was a wrong thing to do and I bitterly regret it."
The East Riding councillor was contacted by the police and attended a police station.
Councillor Robinson said: "I was given suitable words of advice by a senior officer regarding the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.
"I made a mistake and I have learned my lesson."
Mr Grove appointed Mr Robinson against the wishes of a police and crime panel set to oversee his role.
Although the panel had no legal powers to veto the decision, it had expressed disquiet over Mr Grove's choice for the £45,000-a-year job.
Humberside Police last year launched an awareness campaign about the risks of using a phone while driving.
Motorists using their phones were targeted as part of a month-long campaign in May.
The campaign was launched in a bid to reduce the number of casualties on the region's roads.
Anyone caught was given a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence or offered the opportunity to attend a considerate driver course for £95.
