Vehicles seized and drivers penalised in Fife road safety checks

More than 150 vehicles were stopped during the operation carried out on main roads in Fife, Midlothian and Borders.

Four goods vehicles were prevented from continuing their journeys – two for being dangerously overweight and two due to defective brakes.

Two fixed penalty notices were issued to drivers who were speeding, and two were issued to drivers for using their mobile phones.

Three vehicles were seized for having no insurance, and a further three for other motoring offences, including the car of a 66-year-old man driving as a provisional licence holder unsupervised.

Inspector Roddy MacMillan, who is in charge of policing trunk roads in the east of Scotland, said: “It’s disappointing that a number of drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit and using mobile phones while driving, and others driving vehicles with serious defects.

“Their actions demonstrate a total disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users, and the consequences could have been disastrous.

“I would urge people to slow down, use their observations and concentrate on the road ahead.

“As drivers, we also have a responsibility to ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy. Please take the time to check your vehicles lights, tyres and brakes before beginning your journey.”

Further offenders caught during ‘Operation Alternate’ included a 53-year-old man who was charged with careless driving for tailgating, and a 35-year-old woman who was reported for careless driving after colliding with a cyclist on a roundabout. The cyclist suffered slight injuries.

Six people received warnings and guidance after breaking the speed limit and 23 others were warned for miscellaneous offences.