POLICE IN FOCHABERS and Lossiemouth have taken to the streets to target the increasing number of motorists who disregard speed restrictions and drive in an anti-social manner.
As reported by insideMoray earlier this week one motorist was recently caught driving at an eye-watering 103mph on the A941 between Lossiemouth and Elgin.
Community Policing Team officers have been carrying out high visibility speed checks in the area – and in Fochabers, where another motorist was detected travelling at 53mph on the High Street. In both cases drivers have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The checks – part of Operation CEDAR (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce), a Police initiative to address road safety – took place over two days on April 13 and 14 and were assisted by Roads Policing colleagues from Elgin.
In total 15 people were dealt with for road traffic offences and were either charged and reported for speeding, given conditional offers for speeding, or educated on their driving behaviour.
Sergeant Thomas Gorman of the Lossiemouth policing team, who led the operation said: “I am particularly disappointed to see speeds being detected that are well in excess of the speed limit.
“These speeds are totally inexcusable and I would urge everyone to be aware of the speed that they are travelling within our towns and villages and also on our rural roads.
“Whilst the majority of motorists obey the speed limits in both urban and rural locations, the number of people we caught speeding is disappointing. Our local communities have asked us to treat Road Safety as a priority and we have listened to them.
“Not only is Road Safety a local priority, it is also a Divisional and National priority and we will continue to deal with speeding motorists and other motoring offences committed in the local area.
“I would also like to remind motorists that the minimum penalty for driving at excessive speed is a fine of £100 and three penalty points endorsed on a driving licence. Amongst other things, such convictions can also affect future motor insurance premium rates and potential job applications.”