Highland police mount HGV patrols to target drivers using mobile phones on the move

Police are using an unmarked truck to nab drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

And using the unusual police patrol vehicle along with conventional marked and unmarked police cars is already paying off.

During two weeks in July patrols in Lochaber and Inverness (from July 26-31) officers detected 43 mobile phone offences in addition to careless driving, no insurance, MOT and construction and use offences. Drivers were either reported to the procurator fiscal or issued with fixed penalty notices at the roadside.

The road safety patrols by Highland and Islands road policing officers are part of Operation Cedar (challenge, educate, detect and reduce).

They have been using the unmarked HGV tractor unit alongside marked and unmarked police cars to detect poor driving standards, and specifically those drivers who use hand held mobile phones.

It has been stressed that all drivers are being targeted in the clampdown, and most of the 43 drivers caught on the phone were not HGV drivers.

Inspector Donnie Mackinnon from the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit said: “By conducting these innovative patrols, we highlight our commitment to road safety across the area. We are taking positive action in response to concerns raised by members of the public and our own officers in relation to those who drive whilst using hand held mobile devices for purposes such as texting, messaging and using various apps.

"Driving and using a hand held mobile phone / electronic device causes distraction, affects concentration and increases the likelihood of being involved in a collision - the consequences of which can be catastrophic.

If you are caught, you could be fined and your licence endorsed so please put your phone away and don’t put yourself and others road users at risk."

Serious and fatal accidents have been caused by drivers using their phones behind the wheel.