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Van and lorry drivers worst offenders on mobile phone

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Published Date: 16 February 2007
VAN and lorry drivers are three times more likely than other motorists to use a mobile phone while driving, a police survey has found a week before tougher penalties for the offence are introduced.
Lothian and Borders Police said one in 22 van and lorry drivers observed over three weeks were using hand-held phones, compared to one in 75 car drivers. Drivers of 99 of the 5,426 total vehicles observed were seen committing the offences.

Officers warned of a "zero tolerance" approach when fines are doubled to £60, together with the introduction of three penalty points on driving licences, from Tuesday, 27 February. This also applies to sending and receiving text messages in traffic queues.

Inspector David Milne said a high-profile police campaign was planned.



The full article contains 137 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 15 February 2007 10:08 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Mobile phone driving ban
 
1

Pete39,

Tassy 16/02/2007 06:13:22

Aye the police no doubt use this type of communication as well. Does anyone feel that this may be part of their job. Just a matter of getting the right gear.

2

Grumpy,

16/02/2007 08:18:33

Pete39 (1) The police issue mobiles are not the same as those that joe public use, and they are exempt from the legislation anyway. Only personal mobiles that individual police carry are subject to the rules.

Funny though, how a white van driver can speak on his mobile phone, while writing details into his little notebook that's stuck to the windscreen, while holding a cardboard mug of coffee, while changing gear, while turning a corner.........

3

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 16/02/2007 08:58:12

........while cutting people up, while reading the Sun, while revving the engine............

4

Andrew ICT,

Aberdeen 16/02/2007 09:27:59

#3 Dave - sounds like you've had one of these friendly chaps up your cars backside while on a mobile when you've been out in the car as well then? ;-)

5

heather fae the hills,

16/02/2007 09:30:57

....sitting two inches away from your bumper....

6

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 16/02/2007 09:35:32

Hi Andrew

Last time I was on the mainland. Not up my cars backside per se, more like right up my own backside, he was that close!

What is it with getting into a white van that turns them into driving morons?

.....while hogging the fast lane of the motorway doing 60 uphill then 100 down hill.......

7

Andrew ICT,

Aberdeen 16/02/2007 10:17:38

#6 Dave - how inconsiderate of you. Remember that speed limits don't apply to you if you drive a white van! Honestly! ;-)

8

B-boy,

Edinburgh 16/02/2007 14:34:48

Having been on both sides of the fence (white van man and not white van man) I can honestly say that the general public are far worse. Especially those idiots on the city centre school run in their 4x4's...

9

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 16/02/2007 15:09:30

B-Boy

White Van Man is part of the general public, hence the name. Yer as bad as each other.


 

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