Highland police have dealt with 33 drivers in relation to various road traffic offences during the first week of new road safety initiative Operation CEDAR (Challenge Educate Detect and Reduce).
Activity has been ongoing across the region, with particular focus during the first seven days on the Ross and Cromarty area.
Offences detected have included driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, no insurance and driving whilst using a mobile phone.
Eighteen drivers were dealt with for speeding offences – including one driver detected travelling at 115mph in a 70 mph speed limit on the A9 on the Black Isle. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
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Five people were dealt with for drink driving. Other drivers were dealt with for driving whilst using a mobile phone, no insurance and no MOT.
In addition, a 24-year-old man is expected to appear at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday, October 2 in relation to alleged drug driving offences.
Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland, lead officer for the Highlands and Islands Operation CEDAR initiative said: “The fact that drivers from across the region continue to place the lives of both themselves and other road users at risk whilst driving under the influence is staggering.
“From the weekend past, across the Highlands and Islands we arrested a total of eight drivers for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and one whilst under the influence of drugs. Some of these drivers were more than five times the drink drive limit.
“These arrests demonstrate that some from amongst 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.
Week one of #OpCedar resulted in 33 drivers being dealt with for various offences on the roads. These include speeding, drink driving, using a mobile phone while driving and other issues. Particular focus this week on the Ross & Cromarty area. More here: https://t.co/B3zTrkaWda pic.twitter.com/3rZqicawhT
— NorthernPolice (@northernPolice) October 1, 2018
“We have seen to 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 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.
Chief Inspector MacLelland added: “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.
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“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 using legislation.”
He added: “This enforcement work will continue over the coming weeks 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.”
