DRIVERS who use mobile phones while driving will now face a £200 fine.

Police Scotland this week launched an awareness campaign of the new mobile phone law which and sees a doubling of the penalties faced by motorists who are distracted by using an internet device or mobile phone while at the wheel.

At present, drivers who are stopped while using a mobile phone, are issued with three penalty points on their licence and a £100 fine. Under the new legislation, which comes into force next week the consequences double and will be six points and a £200 fine. In more serious cases, police officers have powers to prosecute drivers for careless or dangerous driving.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The risks associated with using a phone while behind the wheel have always been very clear.

"Any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message as it affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk.

"The law says a driver must at all times be in proper control of their vehicle. If at any time they are not they may be guilty of an offence.

"We are using this change in the law to, once again, remind drivers that using a mobile phone while driving has always been unacceptable and even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a serious or fatal collision.”