Officers from the Marr Community Policing Team, assisted by Roads
Policing Units, have been taking action against anti-social and
irresponsible driving on rural routes, under the Operation Collinsville
initiative. The campaign was targeted in specific areas of Huntly and
Alford between January and the end of March following concerns raised by
the local community.
Road traffic patrols and road traffic checks were conducted in various
locations in the Huntly and Alford areas as well as on the A96, A944 and
A97.
In total, 37 drivers were cautioned and charged in relation to a number
of road traffic offences including speeding, failing to obey traffic
signals, using a mobile phone and not having a valid MOT. Additionally,
263 drivers were stopped and educated about their driving, including for
issues such as anti-social driving and lighting offences.
The Operation Collinsville initiative forms part of Aberdeenshire and
Moray Division's wider road safety campaign, Operation CEDAR, which aims
to improve road safety across the division's roads.
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, villages and we will continue to conduct these
road safety initiatives to ensure our roads and communities are safe."
Sergeant Sawers added:
"I have been delighted by the positive response
from the public to this operation within North Marr. Local officers were
instructed to educate where possible and only take more formal action if
deemed necessary. By dealing with minor road traffic offences through
education it is hoped that those spoken to will consider their driving
standards and understand that we are trying to keep people safe."
Marr Community Policing Team Inspector Martin Burgess concluded:
"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."
Janelle Clark, Chair of the Marr Community Planning Group said:
"The Marr Community Planning Group is happy to support this initiative. We are well
aware of the impact road traffic accidents can have on those involved, their friends
and families. This project has highlighed the risks of driving on country roads and
will hopefully reduce the potential for accidents in the Huntly and Alford area."
Chair of Garioch and North Marr Community Safety Group, Councillor Ron
McKail, said:
"Road safety is a priority issue for the communities of
Garioch and North Marr and these high-visibility signs will have made
motorists aware of some of the behaviours which can lead to serious or
fatal road traffic collisions.
"I hope that these signs, in conjunction with a range of other road
safety measures being used, will remind drivers of the dangers of
speeding and distraction, and help to reduce road traffic collision
figures for this area."
Anyone who witnesses examples of dangerous, careless or anti-social
driving is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or via the website
www.scotland.police.uk or if they wish to remain anonymous via the
charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.