POLICE Scotland are running an initiative to combat careless driving throughout the country.
And it is already having considerable success with drivers being fined for eating while at the wheel, using their mobile devices and not wearing a seatbelt.
Since Operation Tramline began on Tuesday April 26 and so far 36 drivers have been given warnings for various offences, with 85 offences being reported, including 47 drivers for using their mobile phone. Drivers have also been dealt with for not having insurance and speeding.
It is currently operating on dual carriageways including the Edinburgh City Bypass.
Officers have been driving a HGV which provides a better view of what other drivers are doing.
A 23-year-old woman seen driving in lane two of the M90 Queensferry Crossing eating cereal from a bowl as she drove southbound. She was fined £100 and had three points added to her licence.
On the Edinburgh City bypass a HGV driver was found to be using both hands on his mobile and steering with his forearms, clearly not in control of his vehicle. He received a £200 fine and six penalty points.
Road policing officer Tom Aitken said: “Reducing the number of road casualties is a priority for Police Scotland and we are always looking at ways to enhance our ability to investigate road traffic offences.
“As well as working closely with partners to help make roads safer for all road users, we regularly use footage from dash-cams, head-cams and CCTV to investigate road traffic offences.
“Most people know the effect alcohol and drugs can have on driving, but the small things can be overlooked. It is just not smart eating as you are driving, it is downright dangerous.
“The same goes for using any mobile device and reading. Acting like this means you are distracted and therefore not in proper control of your vehicle. A split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
“Not wearing a seatbelt is life-threatening. If you are not fully secure then the consequences if you are involved in a crash could be deadly. Road policing officers unfortunately see the devastation this causes and we urge drivers to be responsible and make sure they are safe. Think of the effects a crash could have on your loved ones.
“The HGV enables officers to have a good view of drivers and what they are doing. It is another tool we are using to make Scotland’s roads safer.”
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