Instructor caught on mobile phone

A professional driving instructor was one of the 129 people caught using a hand-held mobile phone since the new legislation came into force last month.

The man was caught in Falkirk while he was teaching a student.

Under the new law, people supervising a learner driver can also be fined and given penalty points if caught using a mobile phone.

Ch Insp Donald McMillan, of Central Scotland Police, said: "To use a mobile while teaching is irresponsible."

A total of 61 drivers were caught in Falkirk, 40 were detected in Stirling and 28 in Clackmannanshire.

'Relentless enforcement'

Ch Insp McMillan added: "Each one of these detections has the potential for a road traffic collision.

"People do get hurt and people do get killed with drivers not paying attention because they are using their phone.

"The new legislation has been brought in for a reason. There will be relentless enforcement for this offence."

As a result of the new legislation, which came into force on 27 February, offenders now receive a £60 fine and three penalty points instead of the previous £30 fine.