News

25 February
MOBILE PHONE DAY OF ACTION - Thursday 25 February

Use your mobile phone while driving and you are risking your life and the lives of others

Police forces across Scotland are focussing their attention today (Thursday 25th February) on motorists’ who use their mobile phone while driving. The annual 24 hour ‘Mobile Phone Day of Action’ co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is part of the Scottish Police Service’s year-round commitment to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

Increased patrols in every force area will be on the look out for motorists breaking the law. During last year’s day of action, 171 motorists were caught using a mobile phone whilst on the road.

Chief Superintendent Charlie Common from Lothian and Borders Police who is the ACPOS lead on Casualty Reduction said:

“The statistics from last year show that motorists are still disregarding the law despite clear warnings about the risk to their safety and the safety of others.  There is compelling evidence, which shows that drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a road crash.

“Research shows that reaction times are significantly impaired if driving and phoning simultaneously. Even when using hands-free equipment, concentration levels can be detrimentally affected

“I would remind drivers that when caught using a mobile phone on the road, the minimum fine is £60, plus three penalty points.  However, depending on the circumstances an increased penalty can be considered, such as disqualification and a fine of up to £2500.

“This is the fourth 24-hour ‘Mobile Phone Day of Action’ and I hope to see a real reduction in the number of motorists being caught.  My message is that no phone call is worth risking a life for.”