THE EXPECTED ARRIVAL of much warmer weather this week has provoked a warning from Police Scotland for those taking to the roads on motorcycles.
Riders from throughout the UK and overseas are drawn to Scotland’s roads at this time of year – and in particular those all along the Moray Firth coastline.
Police are encouraging anyone taking to Moray roads that they are always welcome when riding in a safe and responsible manner – but warn that where offences are committed, police will enforce the law and will not hesitate to pull over anyone who is driving in an irresponsible, anti-social, erratic or illegal manner to keep road users as safe as possible.
Operation Zenith is Police Scotland’s force-wide ongoing safety campaign for motorcyclists – this has taken officers out on patrols dedicated to reducing motorcycle casualties and engaging directly with riders.
Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “We understand the thrill of motorcycling but we also want people to keep safe, especially when overtaking and negotiating left hand bends.
“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users and since the start of April, we have already seen three motorcyclists killed and others seriously injured.
“As the roads get busier in the coming months, with an increase in tourist and foreign drivers, who are unfamiliar with the roads, I would encourage motorcyclists to take extra care. Unfortunately at this time last year, a collision involving a motorcyclist resulted in the death of two people.
“In order to reinforce the road safety message and discourage inappropriate riding or driving, Road Policing Officers will be out in numbers in marked and unmarked patrol cars and motorcycles, with support from the Safety Camera Units.
“We will be engaging with road users who choose to ignore the advice given. A number of offenders have been detected speeding and driving dangerously or carelessly on previous weekends during this operation.”