“Any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message as it affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk.”
He said distraction reduces hazard perception and increases reaction times in a similar
way to drink-
He added: “Drivers who think they can multi-
“Talking on a phone hand-
"The law says a driver must at all times be in proper control of their vehicle.
“If at any time they are not they may be guilty of an offence.
“Police Scotland consistently targets these offences on a daily basis to reduce road casualties and will deal with offences detected in an appropriate manner.
"We are using this change in the law to, once again, reminding drivers that using
a mobile phone while driving has always been unacceptable and even careful drivers
can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-
Mobile phone driving penalties to double
20 February 2017
Fines for using a mobile phone whilst driving will double from next week.
At present, drivers who are stopped while using a hand-
Under new legislation, which comes into force on Wednesday, March 1, the consequences double and will be six points and a £200 fine.
In more serious cases, police officers have powers to prosecute drivers for careless or dangerous driving.
Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “The risks associated with using a phone while behind the wheel have always been very clear.