NEARLY 100 drivers were caught using mobile phones in just one day in the West of Scotland.

It was almost six times the figure expected in one day.

Ninety-six drivers were caught in a crackdown by Strathclyde Police - the highest of any force.

This compares to figures of between three and 33 drivers who were caught in other areas.

And 23,000 motorists in Strathclyde force area have been spotted using a mobile while driving between December 1, 2003 and last week The purge happened last Monday and 173 drivers across Scotland were asked to "hang up" their mobiles in the campaign.

Police chiefs claim drivers are still not getting the message about using mobile phones - six months after tough new penalties were introduced.

Those caught using mobiles now face three penalty points on their licence and a £60 fine.

And one HGV driver in Grampian could end up in court and face disqualification and a fine of £2500.

Chief Constable John Vine, chair of the Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland's Road Policing Business Area, said: "We've given drivers enough time to adjust their driving habits to comply with the new legislation.

"But it seems 173 drivers have ignored the legislation and were reminded on Monday how potentially dangerous their actions were.

"Luckily, we had no collisions involving injury or death that resulted from a driver using a mobile."

"However, that should not be a reason for people to continue an inexcusable habit.

I'll say it again, divert your call, not your attention. The consequences could be disastrous, if you take you eyes off the road or are distracted - even for a split second - because of your mobile phone."