Road Policing head updates public on work of unit

With the festive period now upon us, and many people likely travelling to, from and across the Borders over the coming days, Chief Inspector Vinnie Fisher has kindly allowed me to take over his column this week to discuss the work that road policing officers have been, and will continue to undertake to keep our roads safe over Christmas and new year.

Based on the geographical location of the Scottish Borders, the road network in the region is continually busy, with motorists travelling in and out of Scotland, as well as locals commuting to and from their homes and places of work.

Over the holiday season, however, the roads become increasingly busier and it is important that we all play our part to keep ourselves and other road users safe.

At the beginning of December, Police Scotland launched its annual festive campaign to combat and deter drink and drug driving offences and the campaign is still ongoing.

Throughout, we have had high-visibility Road Policing patrols on Borders’ roads to identify anyone who may be driving while under the influence and taking swift and proportionate action whenever such motorists are identified.

The public should be under no illusion that, if you are stopped in your vehicle and found to be driving whilst over the prescribed limits for drink or drugs, you will be arrested, you will most likely lose your licence and you will have a criminal conviction that can have significant implications for you on both a personal and professional level. Please do not risk it.

I would also encourage anyone aware of someone putting lives at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs to have the courage to report this to Police at the time.

In addition to preventing drink and drug driving offences, road policing officers in the Borders are also keen to ensure road collisions and other motoring accidents on our roads are avoided.

While the weather is now getting colder and the days are shorter, there are still those who will be using motorcycles and pedal bikes, for exercise, commuting and recreational purposes.

My request to motor vehicle users is to remain vigilant for those on bikes and motorcycles and to give plenty of time and space when joining traffic or overtaking.

To cyclists and motorcyclists, I would ask that you ensure you are visible at all times by wearing reflective clothing and having lights on your vehicle, using them when required.

Please also don’t take risks such as undertaking motor vehicles or continuing in traffic when a red light is in effect.

Similarly, please watch out for pedestrians, especially when conditions are icy or snowy making conditions difficult to walk in.

It is also important for pedestrians to wear clothing that will help them be seen in the dark or poor weather conditions.

With many of us expecting to travel, it is also important that we ensure our vehicles, be they cars, vans, pedal bikes, or motorcycles are all in good working order before we set off.

Winter in Scotland is unpredictable and ever-changing, so please make sure that your tyre tread and pressure are within the recommended guidelines and that all mechanical functions such as brakes, lights and indicators are all in full working order.

It is also a good idea to ensure that, if you drive a motor vehicle, that you equip it with some blankets, a secondary phone charger, some non-perishable snacks and bottled water in the event that your journey is prolonged or you have to spend longer within the vehicle because of the road conditions you face.

The past year has been challenging for policing teams across the county and it has been no different for road policing officers.

However, I want to reassure all communities within the Scottish Borders that we will continue to do everything we can to reduce casualties and enhance the safety of our roads for all who use them.