Young drivers 'still ignoring speed limits despite carnage'

YOUNG drivers throughout the north-east of Scotland are continuing to ignore safety warnings and to drive recklessly and at high speed, despite recent carnage on the roads, Grampian Police warned yesterday.

Two weekends ago three people, aged between 17 and 20, were killed in a series of crashes in Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Grampian Police yesterday revealed that last weekend one teenage driver had been clocked at 104mph - 44mph over the speed limit - on the main Aberdeen to Elgin road, while another young motorist was caught doing 70mph on Aberdeen's beach front - more than twice the legal limit.

Sergeant Alan Brown, of the force's road safety unit, said it had been another weekend in which the 17-to-25 age group had been detected driving in what could only be described as a "totally reckless manner".

He said: "We called for motorists to accept responsibility for their own actions and take steps to work with authorities in reducing the level of collisions on our roads. Yet after this weekend I am again looking at reports of driving standards which are absolutely stupid.

"On Friday night an 18-year-old male was caught driving at 70mph on the city's North Esplanade West. The weekend also saw an 18-year-old male driver reported for dangerous driving in the Elgin area after being detected at 104mph in the 60mph limit on the A96 at Barmuckity.

"A 19-year-old male was detected speeding at 102mph in the 60mph limit on the A947 at Tullo. These drivers have been charged in connection with these offences."

Sgt Brown added: "I am at a loss as to what makes these young people think they have the skills to handle cars at speeds such as these, with at most two years' driving experience. This is the sort of behaviour which leads to heartache for families when collisions lead to death."