Police in 'drive safely' plea after series of incidents in Caithness
Police in Caithness are encouraging people to drive safely after a number of incidents on the county's roads in a 24-hour period this week.
On Monday, May 13, a vehicle was detected driving at 80 mph in a 40 mph zone on the A99 at Lybster and a single-vehicle collision occurred on the A99 at Ackergill around 10pm.
A 26-year-old man will be reported in relation to the first incident, while another man (25) will be reported in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle and other road traffic offences following the second.
A 35-year-old man is to be reported in connection with the use of a mobile phone while driving in Wick, while a 44-year-old woman has been charged in connection with driving without a valid MOT in Thurso.
Police say enquiries are ongoing into a collision involving a black Seat Leon and a parked red Kia Cee'd at Wick's Harbour Quay around 8.50pm on May 5 – an incident that left both vehicles badly damaged and the road blocked. Two men wearing dark clothing were seen to leave in the direction of Saltoun Street following the collision.
Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference NJ872/19, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
We still find people willing to take risks, putting themselves and other innocent road users in danger.
Sergeant Doug Green said: "We know that road safety is a key priority for local communities in Caithness and we routinely carry out patrols across the county to deter and detect offences as part of Operation Cedar.
"The potential consequences of excessive speed, driving under the influence of drink or drugs or allowing yourself to be distracted by a mobile phone are well rehearsed but we still find people willing to take risks, putting themselves and other innocent road users in danger.
"We all have a part to play and we want to work with drivers to improve safety but we will continue to take enforcement action where it is needed."