Police crackdown finds more than a dozen Highland motorists using mobiles while driving
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More than a dozen motorists were caught using their mobile phones while driving during a police crackdown in the Highlands last week.
Police carried out checks from June 29 to July 6 as part of a wider UK initiative dubbed Operation Tramline.
Fourteen people were charged with using a mobile phone or mobile device while driving. Fines were dished out to eight of the drivers, with six others referred to te Procurator Fiscal for possible criminal charges.
The offences carry a minimum penalty of six points which would be endorsed on a driving licence, and incur a fine of £200.
Road Policing Constable Mackay, who took part in the operation, said: "Barring certain exemptions, using hand-held mobile phones or devices in any capacity whilst driving is an offence, including checking social media, changing music tracks, texting or making a call. The use of mobile phones forms part of the ‘Fatal 5’ as they have repeatedly been found to be contributory factors in fatal and serious injury road collisions.
"The use of the tractor unit provides us with an effective tool to detect these offences and contribute to road safety through enforcement and education. It’s disappointing to see that people are still willing to take the risk, and I’d encourage them, and others, to put the phones down until you’ve finished your journey."
