Police Scotland target dangerous drivers

Officers will target drink and drug drivers, careless driving, and people using mobile phones behind the wheel.

They will also be on the lookout for seatbelt offences, as well as motorists who are driving without a licence or insurance.

Offenders could be handed £60 fines and three points on their licences, with the more serious cases potentially resulting in jail.

The week of action is Police Scotland’s first initiative aimed at catching out speeding motorists and other inappropriate drivers since the force came into effect at the start of this month.

It will be led by the newly appointed Trunk Road Patrol Group and is aimed at reducing casualties on Scotland’s roads.

Superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “Police Scotland is committed to making Scotland’s roads safer for all who use them.

Casualties

“We are listening to our communities and will take action to address the issues on our roads that affect them.

“Selfish and inconsiderate driving by a minority is unacceptable and officers are committed to working with communities and motorists to increase the safety of all road users.

“When offences are identified, officers will take the appropriate action to educate those involved and where necessary, enforce legislation to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

“Consider your own driver behaviour and the impact it has on other road users.

“Do you use you mobile phone whilst driving or are you too close to the car in front of you? Are you impatient and do you attempt to force other drivers out of your way? Do you regularly drive faster than the speed limit?

“These are all examples of inappropriate driving that frequently result in collisions.

Determination

“Driving inappropriately or speeding has the potential to endanger all road users.

“The message is clear - Don’t risk it.”

Transport minister Keith Brown said: “In Scotland we currently have the lowest road casualty figures since records began.

“However we are not complacent and our determination to build on this progress is matched by Police Scotland who also believe that even one death on our roads is one too many.

“This recent success is due to many influences, and we shouldn’t forget that the vast majority of road users take safety seriously, but there is clearly still work to be done.”