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Thousands receive car phone fine Thousands receive car phone fine
(about 5 hours later)
More than 246 drivers a day in Scotland and England have been fined for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving since laws were toughened a month ago.More than 246 drivers a day in Scotland and England have been fined for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving since laws were toughened a month ago.
A total of 6,891 people north and south of the border were fined £60 and had three points added to their licence.A total of 6,891 people north and south of the border were fined £60 and had three points added to their licence.
Strathclyde saw the highest number, 551, being fined in Scotland. Just over 200 people were caught by Lothian and Borders Police and 166 in Tayside. More than 1,000 of those drivers were caught in Scotland, with the highest number - 551 - in Strathclyde.
Just over 200 people were caught by Lothian and Borders Police and 166 were detected in Tayside.
No figures were made available by Welsh forces or police in Northern Ireland.No figures were made available by Welsh forces or police in Northern Ireland.
The true figure could be far higher as many other forces, including the UK's largest, the Metropolitan Police, did not provide figures.The true figure could be far higher as many other forces, including the UK's largest, the Metropolitan Police, did not provide figures.
The figures revealed that at least six motorists had been fined under the new law for using their phone while teaching a learner driver, which includes an instructor in Falkirk. The figures showed that at least six motorists had been fined under the new law for using their phone while teaching a learner driver, including an instructor in Falkirk.
A total of 17 drivers were fined for not being in proper control of their vehicle when using a hands-free kit.A total of 17 drivers were fined for not being in proper control of their vehicle when using a hands-free kit.
The ban was first introduced in December 2003.The ban was first introduced in December 2003.
PROSECUTIONS BY FORCE AREA Central Scotland Police 129 (Up to 25 March)Dumfries and Galloway Police No figures availableFife Constabulary No figures availableGrampian Police 59 (up to 23 March)Lothian and Borders Police 207 (up to 23 March)Northern Constabulary No figures availableStrathclyde Police 551 (up to 23 March)Tayside Police 166 (up to 22 March) Figures since penalties increasedPROSECUTIONS BY FORCE AREA Central Scotland Police 129 (Up to 25 March)Dumfries and Galloway Police No figures availableFife Constabulary No figures availableGrampian Police 59 (up to 23 March)Lothian and Borders Police 207 (up to 23 March)Northern Constabulary No figures availableStrathclyde Police 551 (up to 23 March)Tayside Police 166 (up to 22 March) Figures since penalties increased
However, the fixed-penalty fine for offenders doubled to £60 on 27 February and those caught now face three penalty points on their licence for the first time.However, the fixed-penalty fine for offenders doubled to £60 on 27 February and those caught now face three penalty points on their licence for the first time.
Courts were also given powers to give a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 in the case of a driver of a bus, coach or goods vehicle.Courts were also given powers to give a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 in the case of a driver of a bus, coach or goods vehicle.
New research has shown that £413,460 is now due to be paid in fines - twice what would have been paid under earlier laws.New research has shown that £413,460 is now due to be paid in fines - twice what would have been paid under earlier laws.
At the start of the month, Strathclyde Police chief superintendent Kenny Scott was caught by his own colleagues as he drove on the M74 while off duty. At the start of the month, Strathclyde Police Ch Supt Kenny Scott was caught by his own colleagues as he drove on the M74 while off duty.
Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident when using a phone.Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident when using a phone.
The organisation said there needed to be a cultural shift in the UK in which using a mobile phone becomes as unacceptable as drink-driving.The organisation said there needed to be a cultural shift in the UK in which using a mobile phone becomes as unacceptable as drink-driving.
Diane Ferreira, of the road safety charity Brake, said the penalties did not go far enough.Diane Ferreira, of the road safety charity Brake, said the penalties did not go far enough.
Seeing more patrol cars would bring down numbers Adam CracknellRACSeeing more patrol cars would bring down numbers Adam CracknellRAC
The group called for fines of up to £1,000 and six penalty points to reflect the danger of using a mobile phone at the wheel.The group called for fines of up to £1,000 and six penalty points to reflect the danger of using a mobile phone at the wheel.
She said: "We want people to be caught because it acts as a deterrent if the law is seen to be enforced.She said: "We want people to be caught because it acts as a deterrent if the law is seen to be enforced.
"It is great news that a lot of people have been caught and are learning their lesson, but it is also very sad that so many people are flouting the law."It is great news that a lot of people have been caught and are learning their lesson, but it is also very sad that so many people are flouting the law.
"Unless we get the message across people are going to continue to die at the hands of people who are 'just' making a call or sending a text.""Unless we get the message across people are going to continue to die at the hands of people who are 'just' making a call or sending a text."
Adam Cracknell, of the RAC, said it was disappointing that drivers using mobile phones at the wheel remained a common sight.Adam Cracknell, of the RAC, said it was disappointing that drivers using mobile phones at the wheel remained a common sight.
"Seeing more patrol cars would bring down numbers," he said."Seeing more patrol cars would bring down numbers," he said.
"There are plenty of speed cameras but they are not going to flash you for using a phone.""There are plenty of speed cameras but they are not going to flash you for using a phone."