Drivers were caught as part of a national day of action

The crackdown on Monday marked the fourth anniversary of the introduction of legislation regarding mobiles.

It is illegal for motorists to use the devices when driving, when stopped at lights or in a queue of traffic.

Originally the punishment was a �30 fine but in February that was raised to �60 with three points added to driving licences.

If the case reaches court the fine can rise to �1,000, or �2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches.

Research tells us that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident if using a mobile phone than those who do not, whilst driving Ch Insp Sandy Bowman Tayside Police

Ch Insp Sandy Bowman, head of road policing in Tayside said: "We make no efforts to disguise our determination to deal with people when they ignore the repeated warnings we give in relation to road safety and breaking the law.

"That is as true of mobile phone offences as it is of drink or drug-driving, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt or any other offence that impacts upon road safety.

"Using a mobile phone whilst driving can have fatal consequences.

"Certainly, research tells us that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident if using a mobile phone than those who do not, whilst driving."