Tuesday July 26th 2016
Police Scotland are carrying out a weekend of action on Scottish Borders roads favoured by bikers from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st July.
Road policing officers will be deploying a new unmarked police motorcycle on the A68, A702, A7 and the A697, which is equipped with digital recording facilities that can be used to prosecute any bikers found to be riding their bikes dangerously.
Inspector Roddy MacMillan, Trunk Roads Inspector for the East of Scotland said: “We have seen nine motorcyclists killed and others seriously injured already this summer.
“The consequences of driving or riding dangerously can be devastating for the families, if someone is killed or seriously injured as a result. It is my officers who knock on the doors of their loved ones to let them know their relative has been killed and it never gets any easier.
“I am an experienced motorcyclist and I understand the thrill and enjoyment of motorcycling, but I am committed to using all means at my disposal, to discourage dangerous and inappropriate driving and riding to keep people safe on Scotland’s roads.
Police will also be in attendance to engage with motorcyclists and other road users and provide safety information on appropriate driving and riding practices.
Road Policing Officers across the country are currently carrying out various enforcement and education activities as part of Operation Zenith, the ongoing safety campaign for motorcyclists and the new resource will be specifically utilised during this activity.
The unmarked motorcycle, which is fitted with digital recording facilities, will join marked police motorcycles and marked and unmarked patrol cars to conduct patrols along the A68, A702, A7 and A697.
Colleagues from the Safety Camera Unit will support these patrols and any offences identified will be appropriately dealt with.
Inspector MacMillan continued: “Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users, especially when overtaking and negotiating left hand bends.
“There is already an increase in the volume of tourist and foreign drivers, who are unfamiliar with the roads, therefore I would encourage motorcyclists to slow down, use their observation skills, comply with the speed limits and take extra care when planning and negotiating overtakes.
“With our unmarked police motorcycle deployed, the chances of being caught should you opt to disregard the speed limit or other road traffic offences have never been higher.
”A number of offenders have already been detected for speeding and driving dangerously or carelessly on previous weekends during this operation and the public should not risk driving or riding in a manner, which will result in police action. Don’t risk it!”
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