TAYSIDE’S MOST senior police officer yesterday warned drivers about the penalties for using a mobile phone while at the wheel.

The force is taking part in a national day of action against mobile phone offences on Monday, after it emerged that almost 700 people fell foul of the law in Tayside during the last five months.

The Department of Transport-led ban was implemented in 2003, but additional penalties came into force last February when the law was extended to not having proper control of the vehicle.

Chief Constable John Vine—who speaks for Scottish senior officers on road policing—said, “It has been six months since this legislation was implemented to drive home the message that it is not only foolish to use a hand-held phone whilst driving but highly dangerous to do anything that detracts from a driver’s ability to maintain proper control of the vehicle.

“That’s long enough for Scottish motorists to adjust their driving habits to comply with the new legislation.

“For those who have forgotten about it, we’ll be there on Monday to remind you like you’ve never been reminded before.”

Drivers now have three penalty points added to their licence and face a fine of £60 if they are caught using a mobile phone while at the wheel.

Any cases that reach court could result in disqualification and a fine of up to £1000—or £2500 in the case of the driver of a bus or goods vehicle.

“The Scottish police service and the Scottish Executive have put a great deal of effort into education and enforcement with the aim of making Scotland’s roads safer by stopping people from using hand-held mobile phones while driving.

“Divert your call, not your attention,” he said.

In the five-month period since the increased penalties were introduced on February 27, a total of 692 offenders on Tayside roads have received endorsable conditional offers of fixed penalty notices.

A 39.4% reduction on the previous total of 1142 over the corresponding period in 2006.