Road policing operation in Highlands to improve road safety

Road Policing officers have detected a variety of offences across the division this week, following proactive patrols under Operation CEDAR (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce) which aims to tackle poor driver behaviour and reduce collisions.

During this period five men, aged between 29 and 43 were arrested for failing drug wipes for Cocaine, two men aged 29 and 47 were arrested for failing drug wipes for Cannabis and two women aged 22 and 41 were arrested for failing drug wipes for cannabis and cocaine respectively.  A 45-year-old man was also arrested after allegedly driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. These drivers will be reported to the courts following blood analysis.

Officers also stopped a 22-year-old woman who was riding an E-scooter on the public road in Inverness and a 27-year-old male riding an E-Skateboard on a public road, also in Inverness.  Both individuals were charged with road traffic offences as these means of transport are regarded as "powered transporters" and must not be used on public roads or footpaths where they present a risk to the rider, other road users and pedestrians. 

The public are reminded that "powered transporters" are motorised and designed in such a way that they fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle. Therefore the laws that apply to motor vehicles also apply to powered transporters which include having a valid driving licence and insurance.

Road Policing Constable Lewis Macleod said “These proactive patrols are designed to reassure our communities that we are both listening and responding to their concerns while aiming at improving road safety throughout the Highlands and Islands.

“We will continue to proactively target offenders through intelligence led patrols and static checks with the aim of positively influencing driver behaviour and make our roads and communities safer.”