Drivers warned over car phone use

The penalty for using a phone at the wheel is set to get tougher

More than 5,000 Tayside motorists have been caught using mobile phones while driving in the last three years.

The figures from Tayside Police came on the third anniversary of laws banning the use of mobiles while driving.

Of the 5,318 motorists caught, 15 were found using a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver.

Police have warned that the fixed fine is next year set to double to £60, as well as motorists risking three points on their licence.

Ch Insp Sandy Bowman said: "We have worked hard at enforcing the legislation in Tayside over the last three years and will continue to target those who break the law.

"The message is simple - risk using a hand-held mobile phone in your vehicle and you could risk more than just a fine."

The statistics showed that 858 motorists were caught using phones in Angus, 2,316 in Dundee and 2,144 in Perthshire.