Northern Constabulary Day of Action

This week marks the third anniversary of the day when using a mobile whilst driving became an endorsable offence and motorists saw the fine rise from 130 to 160.

The mobile phone law changed on 27 February 2007 and on Thursday (25 February 2010) Scotland’s Police forces will highlight the change through a national Day of Action - targeting those who break the mobile phone law, as well as those who fail to wear a seat belt.

The ACPOS-led campaign will take place over a 24 hour period from Thursday morning and Police will increase patrols to detect those who fail to comply with legislation.

Northern Constabulary say the Day of Action against drivers who break these laws is geared towards the safety of road users and to highlight the dangers to those who commit these offences.

Road Policing Inspector John Smith, said: “Failure to wear a seatbelt is amajor contributory factor in many road traffic collisions. The wearing of a seatbelt can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.”

In relation to mobile phone offences Inspector Smith told Hebrides news Today: “Not only does breaking the law in relation to the use of mobile phone whilst drivingresult in fines and penalty points and presents a threat to other road users.

“We continue to see this type of offence across the Force area and there will be no let up in our efforts to detect and penalise those taking part in this dangerous and illegal practice.”

Whilst this is a one day enforcement campaign, Police say their efforts to help improve safety on the roads of the Highlands and Islands will continue.

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