Chief Inspector Grieve insisted the public should remain vigilant and cautious around roadways and main thoroughfares.
As we welcome longer days and dare, I say it, some more favourable weather, I wish to inform you of some activity and focus we are undertaking and have planned around the area of Road Safety.
Naturally, streets and towns become busier with pedestrian footfall and cyclists as the days extend, and daylight affords more opportunities for outdoor activities.
It is, important, however, we all remain vigilant and cautious around roadways and main thoroughfares.
In consultation with our local Roads Policing Inspector Tom Mallinson, we are looking at strong and focussed collaboration to ensure the national approach is consistently delivered on a local level.
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The National Motorcycle campaign commenced on March 20. This focusses on rider safety, improving driver and rider behaviour, reducing collisions and raising awareness.
Of particular interest within the local area is Illegal, off-road motorcycle activity. This is an issue that is brought to my attention on a regular basis.
Understandably, residents are concerned about the dangers and anti-social nature of this activity, that often comes with damage to property to facilitate it.
My community team are working hard to gather information to bring offenders to task. This will also involve utilising opportunities to seize motorcycles and report the drivers responsible.
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The consequences of this can be severe and lead to losing your driving licence or ability to carry one. This affects your professional and personal aspirations, so I would encourage anyone involved to think carefully about potential repercussions.
In consultation with partners, priority concerns and solutions are discussed. This allows us to co-ordinate our approach to sites of concern with road safety planners and key stakeholders, also utilising national resources from the National Motorcycle Unit and Safety Camera Partnership.
Much like West Lothian itself, the road network throughout the region is extremely varied. While we have routes primarily transecting and connection our urban towns, including linking to both the M8 and M9 motorways; we also have a number of rural roads.
Regardless of the type of road, our approach remains consistent – we must educate the public about risks and consequences associated with the Fatal Five categories, including drink/drug driving, driving while distracted and driving without using a seatbelt. Where appropriate we will take enforcement action against those who chose to flout legislation and place themselves and others at risk on the road network.
READ MORE: POLICE COLUMN: Chief Inspector Dougie Grieve
Our approach is not limited to those utilising automated vehicles, and we know that maximising the safety of more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders.
As such we continue to provide these groups with vital information about staying visible and safe and urging motorists to keep these road users in mind when behind the wheel.
More information can be found by visiting https://roadsafety.scot and on our social media publications.
This is the first report I have made to you around bespoke approaches into a single area of business. I wish to continue this through the year as we continue to work alongside the communities and relevant partners to address the varied issues affecting West Lothian with a view to achieving long term sustainable solutions.
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