Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police disappointed in speeding numbers in recent A9 campaign
Officers from Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police have expressed concerns today following final figures from the ten-day A9 enforcement campaign from Perth to Inverness being released.
The campaign, which ended on 25th August 2012, involved partners from VOSA, Northern and Tayside Camera Partnerships as well as officers from both Forces and aimed to reduce the number of collisions and the number of casualties within the busy month of August.
Disappointingly officers from both Forces found that speeding was the most common offence committed on this busy road, with 687 detected over the ten day period. Acting Inspector Norman MacLeod, on behalf of Northern Constabulary's Road Policing Unit, said: "Despite our best efforts to encourage motorists to drive responsibly and within the speed limits, there is still an alarming number of people detected not doing so.
"Both Forces are disappointed in the numbers committing these offences especially when speed can quite often be a contributing factor to collisions and therefore casualty numbers."
The enforcement campaign also strived to enhance road safety by encouraging more responsible driver behaviour amongst road users, including not using mobile phones whilst driving and wearing seatbelts. One motorist found not to be wearing a seatbelt and astonishingly, 33 detected using their mobile phones whilst driving.
Acting Inspector MacLeod went on to say: "We cannot stress enough that one motorist committing such an offence is one too many. I am encouraged to see that nearly all motorists are wearing seatbelts but so disappointed that so many people are still using their mobile phones whilst driving. It only takes a minute to pull over to use your phone, but that minute spent driving could cost yours and others lives."
Although patrols on the A9 between Perth and Inverness were increased over the duration of the enforcement campaign, both forces are assuring that this stretch of road will be a focus for them into the future. Acting Inspector MacLeod furthered: "We want to reassure the public that safety on what is the main arterial route to the Highlands, is a priority for both Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police and our partners. We will continue to endeavour to enhance road safety and reduce the number of collisions and casualties on this and all of our roads."
Detection figures for A9 between Perth and Inverness
(between 15th-25th August)
Speeding
687
Mobile Phone Offences
33
Overloaded Vehicles
11
No Insurance/Driving Licence/MOT
8
Driver's Hours Offences
7
Crossing Solid White Lines
6
Dangerous/Careless Driving
4
Defective Tyres
2
Seatbelt
1
As part of the enhancement of road safety on the A9, Transport Scotland launched the JTS (Journey Time System) last week, which provides more accurate information on the expected journey times to motorist's destinations.