More than 100 drivers a week fined for using their mobiles

MORE than 100 drivers a week are being hit with fines by Lothian and Borders Police for using mobile phones behind the wheel.

Senior officers today revealed a massive surge in the number of motorists caught flouting the law during the last year.

A total of 3364 drivers were fined during the past eight months alone as police officers crack down on the offence with £30 on-the-spot fines.

But the force's traffic chiefs today admitted that the current penalty was not enough to deter people who continue to ignore the ban.

Chief Inspector Kenny Buchanan, of the road policing branch, said that only the new penalty of three penalty points and a £60 fine, which is expected to come into force later this year, was likely to halt the rise.

Between December 2003 and October last year, 3400 drivers were hit with fines for using their mobile phones - around 150 a month.

The latest figures show that the numbers have nearly trebled as police chiefs stepped up their enforcement campaign.

The increase was revealed as police officers yesterday mounted their latest blitz against offenders.

The 24-hour clampdown, which ended at 7am today, saw another 24 drivers collared after being spotted on their phones.

Teams of officers in unmarked cars and motorcycles were deployed throughout the force area, with lorry and van drivers among those caught.

Chief Insp Buchanan said his officers would continue to take a tough approach but added that heavier penalties were needed to deter repeat offenders.

He added: "Unfortunately, until it becomes a £60 fine and three penalty points then some people will continue to ignore the law.

"At the moment £30 is ridiculously low and it's not acting as enough of a deterrent.

"The big difference will come when the first driver is pushed over the limit and disqualified when the new points system comes in. Until then we'll just have to keep hammering away because they are creating a danger on the roads."

Sue Nicholson, campaigns chief with the RAC, said: "It doesn't seem that the message is getting through.

"The new penalties will make a difference.

"But I don't believe it will ever be fully stamped out.

"The perception some people have is that they are likely to get away with it.

"They also don't seem to understand the safety issues. It leaves the driver not only physically impaired as they hold the phone but distracted mentally as they talk."

Yesterday's clampdown was sparked by last week's web chat with Superintendent Phil O'Kane on road policing issues, which saw members of the public asking a flood of questions about mobile phone use.

Inspector Andy Clark, of the road policing branch, said: "Probably half the number of questions we received on the web chat related to mobile phones. There is clearly a public concern about the dangers of driving while using a mobile.

"That's why we decided to hold a 24-hour operation to concentrate on this offence. We wanted to show our commitment to stopping people from flouting the law."

Some motorists happy to continue flouting law

DRIVERS are still willing to risk a £30 fine in order to use their mobile phones behind the wheel, judging by the experience of police on the city's streets yesterday.

Pc Sandy Sturrock and Pc Steven Fraser were unsurprised by the attitude of some drivers they caught.

One lorry driver, who was spotted using his mobile while driving along Ferry Road at 11.45am, told the Evening News: "I know it's against the law but I've done it before and I'll do it again. This is my second fine, but £30 is still cheaper than getting a hands-free kit."

The patrol then caught a DHL delivery van driver on Bernard Street at 12.20pm.

The driver said: "It was a call from my work and there is pressure to answer. I'll try not to do it but in the same situation tomorrow I'd probably do it again."

Pc Fraser said: "That's the attitude we're often up against."