Police detect 41 offences on NC500 patrols in Caithness and Sutherland
Road policing officers spoke to nearly 300 road users during dedicated patrols on sections of the North Coast 500 in Caithness and Sutherland over a three-day period.
The operation was aimed at carrying out enforcement on the route, as well as offering advice to foreign drivers.
A total of 285 vehicles were stopped on the A9, A99, A835, A836 and A838 in Caithness and Sutherland between Tuesday and Thursday last week.
This resulted in 41 offences which were dealt with by way of a conditional offer of fixed penalty and reports to the procurator fiscal, while a further 118 drivers were warned about their driving.
The main offence detected was speeding, with 18 offences and 67 warnings being given.
Leaflets and wristbands were issued to foreign drivers to help raise awareness.
Local communities continue to raise concerns about the manner of driving on the route.
Sergeant Gus Murray said: "Despite it being later in the summer season, the NC500 continues to attract a large number of visitors and local communities continue to raise concerns about the manner of driving on the route.
"A large number of the drivers stopped were not used to driving on single-track roads and advice was given regarding not holding up following traffic.
Sgt Murray added: "Disappointingly a large number of offences were detected while carrying out enforcement work on the route.
"These offences included careless driving, using a mobile telephone, failing to wear a seat belt, no insurance and no driving licence as well as other road traffic offences.
"Of the 41 offences that were detected, 18 were for speeding, mainly in 30mph limits. This included a 19-year-old male who has been reported for driving at 55 mph in a 30 mph limit and an hour later was again stopped for speeding at another location by the same officers.
"The popularity of the NC500 means that visitors are attending all year round. We will continue to carry out dedicated patrols in order to positively influence driver behaviour of visitors and local residents alike."
