POLICE SCOTLAND – GET READY FOR WINTER INITIATIVE
Police Scotland is urging drivers to make a few simple checks this winter to stay safe and not put themselves, their families and other road users at risk.
Last week, in a seven-day initiative, Police Scotland road patrols conducted mobile and static road checks across the country in an effort to keep road users and pedestrians safe ahead of winter weather conditions and shorter days.
In the West of Scotland, Police Scotland dealt with 767 drivers who were using their vehicles on public roads with a defect. A total of 394 received warnings for minor defects, 232 were issued with Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme Tickets (VDRs) and for more serious defects 141 were issued with a fixed penalty conditional offer ticket or reported to the Procurator Fiscal for the most serious offences.
Inspector Neil Hewitson from the Road Policing Unit, said: “Thankfully most of the defects detected were minor and could be dealt with by giving some advice to the drivers, however there were still 141 defects that were serious enough for the officers to issue a conditional offer of fixed penalty or report the driver to the court.
“The checks are not difficult, anyone can do them, and they will help to keep you and your family safer when out in the car during the wetter and colder weather. It doesn’t take long and should be done regularly. If you’re not sure how to check your vehicle, have a look at the Police Scotland web site where you will find a short video which we hope will help you.
“If you do not feel able to carry out the checks yourself or think there may be other issues with your vehicle, you should have it checked by one the many garages across Scotland that offer pre-winter inspection services.
”Don’t put yourself and your family at risk when a few simple checks will help to keep you safe ahead of winter.”
