Top cop 'staggered' over driving offences

A DRIVER clocked at 115mph in a 70mph zone on the A9 on the Black Isle was among those nabbed during a police clampdown on illegal driving.

Police in the Highlands and islands dealt with 33 drivers over various road traffic offences during the first week of the road safety initiative Operation Cedar (Challenge Educate Detect and Reduce).

There was particular focus during the first seven days on the Ross and Cromarty area.

Offences detected included driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, driving without insurance and driving while using a mobile phone.

Eighteen drivers were dealt with for speeding offences – including the driver exceeding the limit on the A9 on the Black Isle. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Five people were dealt with for drink driving. The others were caught driving while using a mobile phone, no insurance and no MOT.

Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland, lead officer for the Highlands and Islands Operation Cedar said: "The fact that drivers from across the region continue to place the lives of themselves and other road users at risk while driving under the influence is staggering.

"From the weekend past, across the Highlands and Islands we arrested eight drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol and one while under the influence of drugs. Some of these drivers were more than five times the drink-drive limit.

"These arrests demonstrate that some from among our communities have a clear disregard towards the safety of others and need to be stopped.

"The dangers of drink driving are well publicised – you are not only putting your own life and livelihood at risk but that of every other road user.

"We have seen too many lives lost following collisions and my message to people across the Highlands and Islands is do not tolerate drink driving.

"You can pass on any information you have on drink drivers by calling 101 – or 999 in an emergency. If you want to remain anonymous, you can also contact Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

"The enforcement work in Ross and Cromarty this week has involved local officers and from roads policing responding to concerns in our communities on a range of road traffic issues.

"Where we identify drivers who present a clear risk to the safety of other road users, we will enforce legislation and remove vehicles from drivers.

"This enforcement work will continue across the Highland and island area as we work to challenge, educate, detect and reduce injury collisions. We look forward to updating you as this initiative continues to develop."