Van and lorry drivers worst offenders on mobile phone

Published on Friday 16 February 2007 02:19

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.