It's A Fair Cop, Guv!

Updated: 12:43, Saturday March 10, 2007

A senior police officer has been caught using a mobile phone while driving - a week after tough new laws were introduced.

Strathclyde Police Chief Superintendent Kenny Scott, 50, was stopped by officers from his own force as he drove on the M74.

He was fined £60 and will have three points put on his licence in line with new laws.

Fines have been doubled from £30 and those caught using hand-held mobiles now have points put on their licence for the first time.

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a 50-year-old man was given a fixed penalty following an alleged road traffic offence on the M74 on March 7."

The Scottish Sun reported that Mr Scott was stopped while off duty and driving a private car.

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, told the newspaper drivers are four times more likely to crash while using a mobile.

He added: "It is disappointing that somebody in his position has broken this law.

"He would have been well aware of how dangerous it is to use a mobile phone whilst driving.

"As well as putting his own life at risk he also jeopardised the lives of other road users."