News

26 February 2007
POLICE COMMITTED TO ENFORCING NEW PENALTIES FOR ROAD SAFETY

Scottish Police Forces will be enforcing the tough new penalties for using hand-held mobile phones, announced recently by the Department for Transport, from midnight on 27 February 2007.

Although already illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving, the current penalty is a £30 fine.

Section 26 of the Road Safety Act 2007 provides for the offences of using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving and failing to have proper control of a vehicle. These offences, from 27 February, will become endorsable, carrying three penalty points and an increased fine from £30 to £60. Any cases that reach court in addition to the penalty points, could involve discretionary disqualification and a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 in the case of the driver of a bus/coach or goods vehicle).

The police service already enforces the law on the use of hand-held mobiles whilst driving, but these new penalties extend to not having proper control of a vehicle, an offence that could also be down to the driver being distracted by using a hands free mobile phone kit.

Chief Constable John Vine (Tayside Police), Chair of ACPOS Road Policing Business Area, said:

''I am very pleased that the penalties that will be incurred by this irresponsible behaviour will now more accurately reflect the dangers that using a mobile phone whilst driving creates. '

'The Scottish Police Service and the Scottish Executive have put a great deal of effort into education and enforcement with the aim of making our roads safer by stopping people from using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving.

''The fact that many people have chosen to ignore the legislation gives a clear indication that the penalties need to be tougher.

''Divert your call, not your attention. The consequences could be disastrous, if you take you eyes off the road or are distracted, even for a split second, because of your mobile phone. Drivers should also be aware that the penalties will also apply to anyone who is distracted by a hands-free mobile phone.

These tougher penalties, allied to robust enforcement, should make people think twice.''

Notes to editors:

• Chief Superintendent Mike McCormick, ACPOS Portfolio Lead for Casualty Reduction, will be available on Tuesday until 12:00 noon for interviews.
• For further information and/or assistance, please contact: Graham MacDonell, Communications Officer, ACPOS Communications Unit 0141 532 2062 (office hours) or via 07771 842 881 (out of office hours).