Local Councillor Backs Police Crackdown on Irresponsible Driving

Huntly, Strathbogie & Howe of Alford SNP councillor Joanna Strathdee has given her backing to Police Scotland in their crackdown on anti-social and irresponsible driving on rural routes.

Police Scotland, in partnership with the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group and Aberdeenshire Council, created a total of 14 high visibility signs which display snappy messages to remind drivers of potential dangers, whilst not distracting them from the road ahead.

These signs are being displayed within 'hot spot' areas as dictated by local community concerns about motoring offences such as dangerous driving, failing to stop at traffic lights and the use of mobile phones. Local officers will also be carrying out directed patrols in these areas.

Operation Collinsville has been successful over the past few years in raising awareness and highlighting the risks associated with all manner of inappropriate driving behaviour.

Commenting, Cllr Joanna Strathdee said:

“I fully support any operation which will ultimately make our roads safer. Operation Collinsville is a successful way to promote better driving standards.”

Constable Sarah Grant, of the Marr Community Policing Team, said:

"Operation Collinsville, allows us to focus on further reducing road collisions and casualties by tackling some of the main factors in serious and fatal collisions. These high visibility signs can be used at various locations and will act as a prompt to drivers to consider the road they are using."

In recent months, several operations from the Marr Community Policing Teams have been put in place following continued intelligence from local residents, councillors and Crimestoppers with positive results.

Constable Grant continued:

"Operation Collinsville was previously run within Garioch and North Marr over the last couple of years and has proved to be very successful in promoting better driving standards. There has to be a greater realisation with drivers of the danger they may be creating, especially on country roads and within residential areas."

Sergeant Andy Sawers, who has been involved in the operation over the past few years, said:

"I will ensure there will be directed police patrols on rural roads as well as in the towns and villages and they will be actively educating drivers and taking enforcement action if required. I would encourage the public to continue to support us by reporting anti-social driving in our towns and villages. It helps us to deploy our resources in the most appropriate way."

Anyone who witnesses examples of dangerous, careless or anti-social driving is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.