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Communicating with your drivers via text messaging could put you O-licence at risk, according to Scottish deputy traffic commissioner Richard McFarlane.

At the first of the Commercial Motor legal seminars, he gave the 50 operators in attendance a stark warning: "I am of the view that the use of such devices pose a very significant threat to road safety," he said. "Any driver appearing before me who I am satisfied has used a hand held device while driving a large goods vehicles and where  I have jurisdiction can expect to have his or her licence suspended or revoked." McFarlane was particularly concerned about drivers texting while driving adding that the consequences are likely to be more significant.

"I take this opportunity of putting operators on notice that if they relay instructions to drivers using such devices, then I believe there is an argument available to me that they are aiding and abetting or causing or permitting their drivers to commit a road traffic offence and, that being so, I may have to look at their operator's licence."

The seminar, held in East Kilbride, was the first of a nationwide roadshow or events, organised by Commercial Motor and sponsored by ATS Euromaster. In addition to the Deputy Traffic Commissioner, delegates were also given in-depth presentations on future road transport legislation by solicitors Backhouse Jones health and safety regulation by ATS Euromaster and issues around compliance by Phil Flanders, the RHA's regional  director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• Commercial Motor Legal Seminars are set to be held in Coventry (27 September) Bristol (3 October) and Gatwick (10 October). For further details contact the seminar hotline: 02083991184.