Police have launched a renewed crackdown on drivers putting young children in danger in a north-east town.
Officers in Fraserburgh will target motorists speeding or parking illegally outside the town’s primary schools in the week ahead.
It is part of the force’s wider Operation Cedar campaign which aims to reduce the number of deaths on Buchan roads.
Officers will also focus their attention on reports of illegal parking in Fraserburgh town-centre.
Last night PC Wayne Bedford, who will coordinate the operation, said the move followed serious concerns raised by the local community.
“The school term has recently begun again after the summer but already child safety is being put at risk due to some drivers choosing to park inconsiderately and the speed that some drivers are travelling past schools,” he said.
“I would urge drivers to not only be mindful of the speed they are travelling but also where they are parking.”
PC Bedford said “numerous complaints” had been made to the police about cars being abandoned on double and single yellow lines, as well as motorists flaunting the 45-minute parking limit in the town centre.
Aberdeenshire councillor John Cox, chairman of the local area committee, urged drivers to take heed of PC Bedford’s advice.
“It is important that drivers behave responsibly around schools in our area when there is increased activity at peak times and I welcome this initiative by Police Scotland that will encourage safer driving,” he added.
The campaign has been backed by the Fraserburgh and District Community Safety Group. Chairman Brian Topping said it was parents’ responsibility to think twice about where they drop their children off.
“Last time they did this the police caught something like 60 people in one day parking illegally,” he said.
“My message to parents is think of your kids. Is it safe where you’re parked? I know people have busy lives but think of consequences.”
Mr Topping added that it was “sad” that it took on the spot fines to discourage motorists from driving and parking dangerously.
The week-long campaign will begin on Monday.
