Campaign to remind foreign tourists they must drive on the left

LAUNCHED: Major initiative after van filmed driving the wrong way on A9

A campaign to remind tourists to drive on the left side of the road has been launched less than a month after a camper van was filmed driving into oncoming traffic on the A9 in Highland Perthshire.

Police Scotland and Road Safety Scotland joined members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), along with Highland MSP Kate Forbes, to promote the new initiative which hopes to reduce the number of accidents caused by drivers inexperienced at driving on the left.

Last month a camper van was spotted driving at 70mph on the wrong side of the road along the A9 near Ballinluig.

Video of the incident, shot by eyewitness Alan McConachie, went viral on social media and prompted calls for improvements to road signs and markings.

The new campaign launched yesterday will see a Driving in Scotland tourist information leaflet distributed when visitors pick up a hire car, and an electronic version will also be issued at the time of booking.

Drive On The Left wristbands will also be issued to be worn on the left hand of drivers and be available in nine languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Hindi, Japanese and Chinese.

In-car stickers will be distributed via car rental companies to remind and prompt visitors to keep left.

Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “We want all visitors to return safely from their travels and the new campaign aims to raise awareness and remind people to drive on the left at all times – which is particularly important after they’ve taken a break or when the roads are quieter.

“With the tourist season upon us, our new Driving in Scotland information leaflet also offers practical advice about looking both ways at junctions, driving on single-track roads and provides tips for planning your journey in advance, taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue.”

Superintendent Louise Blakelock, deputy head of road policing in Scotland, said: “It’s crucial to remind people of the differences of driving in Scotland and how to drive safely when visiting.”

“We want all visitors to return safely from their travels... the campaign aims to raise awareness and remind people to drive on the left at all times.

MICHAEL MCDONNELL, ROAD SAFETY SCOTLAND

Picture: Andrew Smith. The campaign launch at Urquhart Castle. From left: Laura Mackay from Arnold Clark, Ruth Gollan from Hertz and Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.