80 vehicles stopped by police in Orkney operation

Police Scotland carried out road safety patrols and checks on motorists in Orkney in the last week.

As a result of these checks more than 80 vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in 45 offences being reported for various matters including document and vehicle condition faults.
A number of vehicles were also issued with prohibitions for loading and weight offences.

The activity between November 21-25 was carried out by officers from the Road Policing Unit under Operation Route – a long-running initiative aimed at improving road safety and reducing casualties on roads across the Highlands and Islands.

Road safety is one of the priorities highlighted by communities across the north of Scotland and this activity in Orkney aims to remind road users of what they can do to improve safety whilst using a vehicle on a road with the hope of reducing casualties and fatalities on our roads.

Divisional road policing inspector Gus Stewart said: “It should be acknowledged that the majority of road users across the Highlands and Islands are both safe and respectful of others on the road.

“However, our communities still highlight road safety as a key issue.

“With this in mind I would also seek to take this opportunity to provide the following advice to ensure that our roads are a safer place to travel.

“It is easy to ignore the risks when we are driving and pretend that bad things only happen to other people. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been driving, how safe you think your driving is, or whatever else you tell yourself to justify your manner of driving or condition of your vehicle, the reality is people are hurt every day on our roads.

“This is particularly relevant as the days become shorter and the temperatures drop with the notoriously unpredictable weather in the Highlands and Islands.

“Road users should ensure that their vehicles are given a winter check and are properly maintained. They should also ensure that all documentation necessary to use a vehicle on a road is in place and valid.

“Pedestrians and joggers are encouraged to wear high visibility garments and think carefully about the routes chosen particularly in areas with no foot or cycle paths.
“I would encourage everyone to follow these simple safety guidelines which could prevent accidents and injury.

“By both Police Scotland and road users across the Highlands and Islands working together, the number of casualties on the road can be significantly reduced and above all, help to keep people safe.”