Van insurance customers reminded of mobile phone risk Over 50,000 motorists in Scotland have been caught using mobile phones while driving in less than three years, according to figures obtained by the Press and Journal.

Van drivers spotted using hand-held mobile phones while behind the wheel have faced the prospect of a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence since 2007.

But this does not appear to have deterred Scottish motorists who racked up 51,604 fixed penalties for the offence – enough points to ban 12,901 drivers.

Labour’s shadow justice secretary and north-east MSP Richard Baker, told the paper: “These are shocking figures and they underline the fact that new punishments need to be looked at.

“People have not been listening to the warnings. These penalties have been in place for almost three years, yet the message does not appear to be getting through.”

Following the law regarding mobile phone use can help van drivers to save money by avoiding unnecessary fines, as can shopping around for cheaper van insurance.

According to figures from the Transport Research Laboratory, 4.5 per cent of van drivers used hand-held mobiles while at the wheel in 2009.

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Written by Sean Harty