Good response to road safety initiative in Caithness and East Ross

7th November 2010

NORTHERN Constabulary Police have reported a highly successful road safety operation across the Highland mainland.

The initiative, code-named Operation Sable, was timed to run immediately prior to the ACPOS "Get ready for winter" weekend initiative, which was run throughout Scotland. The key objectives of the operation were to highlight and enforce road safety, provide reassurance to the public through a highly visible police presence and to identify, target and disrupt criminal use of the roads network.

Multiple road checks were held on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th October 2010 with a high number of officers involved across the region.

Around 800 vehicles were stopped in Caithness, and East Ross and safety checks were carried out. Drivers and passengers were spoken to and over 550 road safety packs were distributed.

During the operation a vehicle was seized after the driver was found to have no licence. Also, based on information from the public, enquiries and searches were carried out in Caithness, leading to a seizure of suspected valium with an estimated street value of £5000.

Divisional Commander, Superintendent Julian Innes, thanked the public for their support and assistance during the Operation. He said: "The operation was very successful and well received by members of the public. Many were delighted to get road safety packs and advice from police officers. I would like to thank everyone for their support during the two-day period."

He added: "Road safety is a high priority for Northern Constabulary we want people to have safe journeys. It is very important that drivers ensure that they are well prepared for the winter weather and conditions and that they drive accordingly."