Police focus on antisocial motorcyclists

Road police will be patrolling tourist routes across the north-east this weekend to encourage safe and responsible driving.

North-east and Tayside road policing units will focus their attention on the A92 and A93 between Aberdeen and Perth as well as other busy routes.

They will be using marked and unmarked vehicles along with police motorcycles to patrol the north-east roads.

They will take action against drivers found flouting the law.

Officers will focus on motorcyclists, ensuring their safety and preventing antisocial motorcycle riding.

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.”

Insp Mackie explained that the police regularly receive complaints about groups of motorcyclists on the A93 and other roads.

The complaints involve motorcyclists travelling at excess speeds, overtaking dangerously, over-revving their engines, disturbing wildlife and indulging in general antisocial behaviour.

She added: “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 north-east 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.”

Picture by Darrell Benns. SAFETY DRIVE: Police will watch the A92 for bad driving.