Safety warning for road users in the north east

As part of Police Scotland's ongoing efforts to encourage safe and responsible driving on our roads, this weekend will see North East and Tayside road policing units focussing attention on the A92 and A93, between Perth and Aberdeen, as well as other busy and popular tourist routes. Officers will focus on vulnerable road users, and in particular motorcycle safety and anti-social motorcycle riding.

Marked and unmarked vehicles, along with police motorcycles, will patrol the roads and take robust action against drivers found flouting the law.

Road Policing Inspector for the North East, Lorraine Mackie said: "We like to see people enjoying riding their motorcycles in beautiful surroundings. Sadly, this year has seen a significant proportion of serious and fatal crashes in the north of Scotland involving motorcyclists.

"While these collisions remain under investigation, we know that inappropriate speed and overtaking manoeuvres have contributed to some of these crashes. I do not want this pattern to continue going forward, therefore I am asking all riders to take care and be considerate on the roads, not just this weekend but every day.

"Complaints are regularly received from locals in relation to groups of motorcyclists who use the A93, and other popular motorcycle roads, travelling at excess speeds, overtaking dangerously, over revving their engines, disturbing wildlife and general antisocial behaviour for significant periods of time. 

"The majority of motorcyclists who use the road do so appropriately and sensibly, and it is a shame that the reputation of these riders gets tarnished by those who do not. 

"Staycations are ongoing, and northeast roads are busy, particularly in key attraction areas with scenic roads. We want everyone using the road to do so responsibly and consider other road users, traffic volume, rider experience and road conditions. 

"We want to ensure everyone using the roads gets home to their loved ones safely".