A North Ayrshire Council meeting was delayed after a member joined remotely whilst behind the wheel of his car.
Councillors at the meeting, chaired by Provost Anthea Dickson, were left laughing and shaking their heads after Labour councillor Jim Montgomerie appeared on screen driving his car.
Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Tony Gurney, raised a point of order after seeing Montgomerie attending the meeting whilst his hands-free device was on the dashboard of his car last month.
He stated that the local authority allows people to attend remotely on the basis that “they concentrate on the proceedings”.
North Ayrshire CouncilWhile holding back a laugh, Gurney suggested that Montgomerie’s focus on the meeting may be “marred” due to his being on the road.
Provost Dickson agreed with the issue, pointing out that she didn’t want to be seen “encouraging” the behaviour “when you’re not allowed to use your mobile [while driving], and you would get prosecuted by the police”, she said.
Montgomerie interjected, stating that he was “hands free”.
The provost added that she felt “most uncomfortable endorsing it” and that she would prefer if the councillor re-joined at a different location where he was stable and “not driving”.
North Ayrshire CouncilThe councillor responded that he was “stable and staying online” while still appearing to be driving the car.
Gurney also said he was not comfortable with the situation.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We have established procedures in place for elected members attending hybrid meetings.
“Each member is aware of both these procedures and the expectations of participating virtually.”
Councillor Montgomerie and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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