Full Breakdown
North Ayrshire Council Confronts Remote Participation While Driving
7/8/2026, 4:33:39 AM
Incident Overview
During a regular North Ayrshire Council meeting chaired by Provost Dickson, council leader Tony Gurney raised a point of order after observing Labour councillor Jim Montgomerie speaking from the driver’s seat of his car. Gurney argued that the council’s acceptance of remote attendance did not extend to participation while operating a vehicle, noting concerns about concentration on the agenda and safety. The exchange prompted a brief interruption, with Montgomerie attempting to interject as fellow councillors reacted with audible laughter and head-shaking.
Key Figures
- Tony Gurney – Leader of North Ayrshire Council, who initiated the point of order.
- Provost Dickson – Chair of the meeting, responsible for addressing procedural concerns.
- Jim Montgomerie – Labour councillor who was seen speaking while driving.
Official Statements & Responses
Council leader Tony Gurney emphasized that while remote participation is permitted, it must not compromise a councillor’s ability to focus on council business. He proposed that any member joining a meeting while driving should be barred from voting on matters raised during that session. Provost Dickson acknowledged the issue, describing it as a “fair point” and indicating that the council will review and modify its remote-access procedures to prevent members from endangering themselves or others while taking part in council business.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident elicited visible disapproval from other councillors, who were heard laughing and shaking their heads as Montgomerie tried to speak. Their reaction underscored concerns among council members that remote participation should not be used to circumvent safety regulations or undermine the seriousness of council deliberations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gurney said that while the council accepts people joining the meeting remotely Cllr Montgomerie would not be able to concentrate fully on the agenda while driving.” — Tony Gurney, Leader, North Ayrshire Council
- “Yes, I don’t want to be seen to be encouraging this. When you are not supposed to use your mobile phone and would get prosecuted by the police.” — Provost Dickson, Chair, North Ayrshire Council
- “He said any councillor joining the meeting while driving should exclude them from voting on matters raised.” — Tony Gurney, Leader, North Ayrshire Council
- “I think that obviously we need to modify our remote access because we cannot have members putting themselves at risk and driving cars at the same time as participating in the meeting.” — Provost Dickson, Chair, North Ayrshire Council
Why It Matters
The episode highlights a tension between the flexibility of remote council meetings and the imperative of public-sector safety standards. As councils increasingly adopt hybrid attendance models, clear guidelines are needed to ensure that participation does not compromise road safety or the integrity of decision-making processes. The incident also raises questions about the enforceability of voting restrictions for members who breach remote-attendance protocols.
What’s Next
Following the meeting, North Ayrshire Council announced plans to revise its remote-access policy. The forthcoming changes are expected to include technical safeguards that detect vehicle motion and procedural rules that prevent councillors from voting while driving. The council will monitor compliance and may introduce additional training to reinforce safe remote participation practices.
