A Labour councillor in Scotland has faced scrutiny and an ongoing police inquiry after joining a virtual council meeting while driving. Councillor Jim Montgomerie of North Ayrshire Council appeared on screen from the driver's seat during a June 24 meeting, prompting an immediate point of order from Council leader Tony Gurney.
Footage from the meeting shows Montgomerie navigating the road before Gurney interrupted. "We allow people to attend remotely on the basis that they concentrate on the proceedings of the council," Gurney stated, questioning if driving would detract from this concentration. Provost Anthea Dickson echoed these concerns, noting that using a mobile phone while driving can lead to prosecution.
Montgomerie responded by stating he was operating "hands-free," a claim Provost Dickson countered by expressing discomfort and requesting he rejoin the meeting from a stable, non-driving location. Despite the exchange, Montgomerie remained at the wheel for the final 20 minutes of the nearly three-hour meeting.
Following the incident, Gurney suggested that councillors joining meetings while driving should be excluded from voting. Provost Dickson acknowledged this as a fair point and indicated that the council would need to modify its remote access procedures to prevent members from putting themselves and others at risk.
In Scotland, it is illegal for motorists to hold or use a phone while driving, including participating in video calls on a handheld device. While hands-free use is permitted, police can still take action if a driver appears distracted or not in full control of the vehicle. Drivers caught holding and using a phone face a £200 fine and six penalty points. Police Scotland confirmed they are aware of the circulating video and that inquiries are ongoing.
A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council stated that established procedures are in place for elected members attending hybrid meetings and that each member is aware of these procedures and expectations for virtual participation. Montgomerie has been approached for comment.