News

28 February 2008
POLICE CHIEFS EXPRESS SHOCK AT MOBILE PHONE USE

MORE than 300 motorists were caught using mobile phones while driving during the latest crackdown on the illegal and dangerous practice by Scotland’s police forces.

Despite warnings that police patrols would be paying particular attention to drivers who risk their safety and that of others by using their phones there were 324 drivers detected up and down the country.

Among those who will now face a fine and penalty points on their licence are an approved driving instructor in West Lothian who was driving his marked instruction vehicle without a learner driver.

In Midlothian a vehicle was stopped because the driver was using a phone and it was discovered that there was no insurance cover for the vehicle. It has been impounded and may be destroyed.

Since a £60 fine and three penalty points were put in place last year, over 800 motorists throughout Scotland have been caught using their hand-held mobile phone while driving during four “Mobile Phone Days of Action” co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) in conjunction with Scotland’s eight police forces.

Chief Superintendent Mike McCormick, Portfolio Lead for Casualty Reduction for the ACPOS Road Policing Business Area, said: “I am shocked and disappointed that so many drivers choose simply to ignore all the warnings and continue to use their phones while behind the wheel. There is clear evidence that using a phone distracts the driver and reduces their control of the vehicle.

“This could have devastating consequences. The police will continue to detect those who ignore the warnings and the law will take its course. Our message is clear -  Don’t risk it!”

Any cases that reach court, in addition to the penalty points, could involve discretionary disqualification and a maximum fine of £1000 or £2500 in the case of a driver of a bus/coach or goods vehicle.