New action for mobile phone offences
Northern Constabulary have welcomed the new agreement between Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the Traffic Commissioner which aims to enhance the action taken against bus and lorry drivers using their mobile phones whilst driving.
The Memorandum of Understanding will formalise the process of notification of mobile phone offences so the Traffic Commissioner will be able to consider further action against any individual and potentially company where a driver of a Heavy Goods Vehicle or Passenger Carrying Vehicle commits such an offence.
The introduction of this process could see drivers facing further action such as suspension or loss of LGV or PCV licenses, and even more repercussions for their employer.
Acting Inspector Norman MacLeod said: that the introduction of this new system will mean that drivers of LGV or PCV vehicles can face further repercussions if caught using their mobile phones whilst driving for work purposes whereas previously they would have just received a fine and penalty points.
"With the added penalty of suspension or loss of license a possibility, this will impact heavily on individuals personal lives through loss of income or employment. It will hopefully get the message across not to use mobile phones."
"We in Northern Constabulary take mobile phone offences seriously and would like to remind motorists if they need to use their phones that they only do this when they are safely pulled over. Ultimately this is about improving safety on our roads for all and I hope that all motorists take today's launch as a testament of our commitment to such an unnecessary."
