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Operation Collinsville

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Councillor Ron McKail of the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group and Sergeant Andy Sawers of the Marr Community Policing Team with two of the new signs.

Officers from the Marr Community Policing Team, assisted by Roads Policing Units, have been taking action against anti-social and irresponsible driving on rural routes, under the Operation Collinsville initiative. The campaign was targeted in specific areas of Huntly and Alford between January and the end of March following concerns raised by the local community.

Road traffic patrols and road traffic checks were conducted in various locations in the Huntly and Alford areas as well as on the A96, A944 and A97.

In total, 37 drivers were cautioned and charged in relation to a number of road traffic offences including speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, using a mobile phone and not having a valid MOT. Additionally, 263 drivers were stopped and educated about their driving, including for issues such as anti-social driving and lighting offences.

The Operation Collinsville initiative forms part of Aberdeenshire and Moray Division's wider road safety campaign, Operation CEDAR, which aims to improve road safety across the division's roads.

Constable Sarah Grant of the Marr Community Policing Team said:

"Operation Collinsville has been a real success in the North Marr area and has helped promote better driving standards on some of our rural roads which will further reduce road collisions and casualties. We rely on support and information from members of the community and this operation is in direct response to feedback we have received. I would encourage the public to continue to support us by reporting anti-social driving in our towns, villages and we will continue to conduct these road safety initiatives to ensure our roads and communities are safe."

Sergeant Sawers added:

"I have been delighted by the positive response from the public to this operation within North Marr. Local officers were instructed to educate where possible and only take more formal action if deemed necessary. By dealing with minor road traffic offences through education it is hoped that those spoken to will consider their driving standards and understand that we are trying to keep people safe."

Marr Community Policing Team Inspector Martin Burgess concluded:

"This has been a really positive initiative to improve road safety on the roads in the North Marr area and as a result, we will be running similar campaigns across the Marr area over the coming months. Although this phase of Operation Collinsville has come to an end, local officers will continue to patrol the roads and take appropriate action and so I would encourage people to come forward with any concerns they may have."

Janelle Clark, Chair of the Marr Community Planning Group said:

"The Marr Community Planning Group is happy to support this initiative. We are well aware of the impact road traffic accidents can have on those involved, their friends and families. This project has highlighed the risks of driving on country roads and will hopefully reduce the potential for accidents in the Huntly and Alford area."

Chair of Garioch and North Marr Community Safety Group, Councillor Ron McKail, said:

"Road safety is a priority issue for the communities of Garioch and North Marr and these high-visibility signs will have made motorists aware of some of the behaviours which can lead to serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

"I hope that these signs, in conjunction with a range of other road safety measures being used, will remind drivers of the dangers of speeding and distraction, and help to reduce road traffic collision figures for this area."

Anyone who witnesses examples of dangerous, careless or anti-social driving is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or via the website www.scotland.police.uk or if they wish to remain anonymous via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



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