Aberdeenshire police officers have taken action against almost 40 motorists this year as they target antisocial and irresponsible driving on rural roads.
A total of 37 drivers were cautioned or charged for speeding, ignoring traffic signals, using mobile phones while driving and not having valid MOTs as part of Operation Collinsville.
The Marr community policing team has been focusing specifically on routes around Huntly and Alford since the launch of the campaign in January.
Special patrols and checks were carried out between the two towns, as well as on the A96 Aberdeen to Elgin road, the A944 Aberdeen to Alford road and the A97 Aboyne to Banff road.
In total, 263 drivers were stopped and given warnings for antisocial driving and lighting offences.
Operation Collinsville forms part of the larger Operation Cedar – a wider road safety scheme which applies across the north-east and Moray.
Constable Sarah Grant, of the Marr community policing team, said: “Operation Collinsville has been a real success in the north Marr area and has helped promote better driving standards on some of our rural roads which will further reduce road collisions and casualties.
“We rely on support and information from members of the community and this operation is in direct response to feedback we have received.
“I would encourage the public to continue to support us by reporting anti-social driving in our towns and villages, and we will continue to conduct these road safety initiatives to ensure our roads and communities are safe.”
Inspector Martin Burgess, also of the Marr team, added: “This has been a really positive initiative to improve road safety on the roads in the north Marr area and as a result, we will be running similar campaigns across the Marr area over the coming months.
“Although this phase of Operation Collinsville has come to an end, local officers will continue to patrol the roads and take appropriate action and so I would encourage people to come forward with any concerns they may have.”
Anyone who witnesses examples of dangerous or antisocial driving can contact police on 101 or via www.scotland.police.uk, or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
