Speeders and drink drivers caught by police

Police were out in force on Falkirk's roads last weekend catching motorists travelling at excessive speeds and a few who were over the legal alcohol limit.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2016, 01:07 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2016, 02:22 BST
Police have been out on the roads for Operation ZenithPolice have been out on the roads for Operation Zenith
Police have been out on the roads for Operation Zenith

Part of Operation Zenith, which aims to promote safe and responsible motoring, the patrols and checks were carried out on roads throughout the Forth Valley area, including the A876 and A977 near Kincardine on Saturday and Sunday.

Officers handed out 41 endorsable fixed penalty notices to motorists travelling at excessive speeds, including to a 68-year-old man who was detected speeding in the Kincardine area and another motorist who was clocked at 93 mph.

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On another occasion a 43-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving after colliding with a car travelling in the opposite direction. He was more than twice the legal drink drive limit.

The operation also saw 29 people get warnings and corrective guidance for breaking the speed limit, while 14 others were reported for offences including driving while disqualified, driving licence and insurance offences, failure to obey traffic signs, careless driving and driving with no MOT.

In addition, 27 vehicle defect reports were detected and three vehicles seized for various motoring offences.

Inspector Roddy MacMillan, trunk roads inspector for the East of Scotland, said: “The intention of the campaign is to promote safe and responsible motorcycling throughout the roads network of Forth Valley and reduce the number of casualties from road collisions, whilst improving driver/rider behaviour and awareness.

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“It is, however, disappointing to report a number of drivers and riders were caught exceeding speed limits both within and outwith built up areas. Travelling at speeds in excess of 30mph of the speed limit shows a total disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users and the consequences of such actions can lead to disastrous results.

“My message is simple – do not drive if you have consumed alcohol. Do not risk it if you are unsure, having consumed alcohol the night before. I would also urge road users to use their observations, concentrate on the road ahead, slow down, travel at appropriate speeds for the road layout and weather conditions and in all cases, not above the posted speed limits.

“In the better weather, drivers and riders should be more aware of the increased use of the road by vulnerable roads users, namely pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and they should be anticipating their increased presence and the potential hazards ahead at junctions, roundabouts bends and hill crests.

“I want everyone to enjoy the roads, scenery, tourist, recreational and social facilities that are on offer within the Forth Valley area, but I cannot stress the importance of the need for all road users to concentrate on the road ahead and provide a valuable contribution to keeping our roads a safe place to be.

“Members of the public who witness any driving offences can report them to Police Scotland by contacting 101.”