Police target drivers' mobiles

The campaign will last for three weeks

A crackdown on drivers who use mobile phones while behind the wheel has been launched by a Scottish police force.

Motorists in the Lothian and Borders area are being targeted in a three-week drive by officers.

And the head of the force's traffic division has warned that drivers could face prosecution.

Officers will be undertaking strict enforcement against drivers detected using their phones when driving

Chief Inspector Kenny Buchanan

The initiative comes little over a week after a study suggested that driving while talking on a mobile phone was more dangerous than being over the legal alcohol limit.

Tests by scientists at the Transport Research Laboratory said those using mobiles had slower reaction times and stopping times than those under the influence of alcohol.

Their research also suggested that hands-free kits were almost as dangerous as hand-held phones.

The dangers of driving while using a phone were highlighted by Chief Inspector Kenny Buchanan, Lothian and Borders Police's head of traffic operations, at the launch of the campaign.

Involved in accidents

"Traffic officers are also concerned that any activity that distracts a driver from watching the road and concentrating on their technique could have fatal consequences," he said.

"Motorists will face being fined or reported to the procurator fiscal depending on the seriousness of the offence.

"This could range from those deemed to be not in proper control of their vehicle to those involved in accidents caused by their behaviour."

Lothian and Borders Police are targeting drivers

In the first week of the campaign, which started on Monday, the focus will be on educating drivers.

Anyone stopped by police will receive a leaflet explaining the laws and warned that they could face prosecution or a fine if caught in the coming weeks.

"In the second and third weeks officers will be undertaking strict enforcement against drivers detected using their phones when driving," said Chief Inspector Buchanan.

"We want to encourage people to think about whether they are genuinely in total control of their cars when they are chatting on a mobile at the same time.

"This is a very bad habit that people need to cut out. Our roads are already very busy and full concentration is essential for the safety of drivers, pedestrians and other road users."