A WOMAN has been fined by police after being caught eating a bowl of cereal while driving.

The 23-year-old was found eating her breakfast behind the wheel while travelling on the Queensferry Crossing.

She was spotted as a result of Operation Tramline, a new road policing initiative which has been in place since April 26.

The scheme sees officers using undercover HGV vehicles to improve their visibility.

The driver was fined £100 for the offence and had three points added to her license.

Road policing officer Tom Aitken said: “Reducing the number of road casualties is a priority for Police Scotland and we are always looking at ways to enhance our ability to investigate road traffic offences.

“As well as working closely with partners to help make roads safer for all road users, we regularly use footage from dash-cams, head-cams and CCTV to investigate road traffic offences.

“Most people know the effect alcohol and drugs can have on driving, but the small things can be overlooked. It is just not smart eating as you are driving, it is downright dangerous.

“The same goes for using any mobile device and reading. Acting like this means you are distracted and therefore not in proper control of your vehicle. A split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

“Not wearing a seatbelt is life-threatening. If you are not fully secure then the consequences if you are involved in a crash could be deadly. Road policing officers unfortunately see the devastation this causes and we urge drivers to be responsible and make sure they are safe. Think of the effects a crash could have on your loved ones.

“The HGV enables officers to have a good view of drivers and what they are doing. It is another tool we are using to make Scotland’s roads safer.”

As of Wednesday, 36 drivers had been given warnings for various offences, with 85 offences being reported as a result of the initiative.

This included 47 drivers who had been using their mobile phone, as well as speeders and those driving without insurance.