Police catch 120 drivers speeding across Highlands and Islands

13th March 2013

Police in the Highlands and Islands took part in a national ACPOS led campaign over the weekend 8 March to 11 March to highlight the dangers which exist on country roads.

A total of 120 drivers were caught speeding. Six of these were young drivers (aged 17-26). A 44yr old local male, a disqualified driver, was detected by police in the Fort William area, stopped and gave a positive breathe test.

A male driver in the Skye area was detected by police carrying two children in one seat in the front of a vehicle.

Head of the Force's Road Policing Unit, Inspector Neil Lumsden, said: "Many dangers exist on rural or country roads including bends, mud on the road, hidden entrances or junctions. Driving at speed reduces any driver's ability to negotiate these hazards safely.

"Casualty figures in the Highlands and Islands have seen a steady decline over the last five years which is encouraging, but one death on our roads is one death too many. This campaign highlights some of the dangers that exist on country roads, and the need to drive according to the conditions and at a speed that is appropriate to the type of road."

He added: "Speeding carries a minimum penalty of a £60 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence. In some instances drivers may be convicted of dangerous driving, lose their licence for at least 12 months and may be ordered to re-sit the driving test."