Police in Edinburgh are today launching a two-week road safety initiative to promote safer driving and cycling in the city centre.
The initiative will see police provide advice to both groups on appropriate road behaviour, and take action against those who break the law by driving or cycling in a manner that puts other road users, and pedestrians, at risk.
Officers will be on cycle patrol in locations throughout the city centre, particularly at busy times of the day where traffic is at a peak.
They will be keeping an eye out for common offences such as failing to obey traffic lights, illegal parking or stopping on main commuter roads, cycling on pavements, and cycling without lights during hours of darkness.
While initially officers will seek to provide corrective advice if they spot minor infringements, tough action will be taken against motorists or cyclists whose behaviour puts themselves and other road users at risk.
PC Stephen Kirk, from Police Scotland, said: “This fortnight-long initiative will have two phases, with the focus over the first week being on educating city centre road users on how they can keep themselves and others safe, at a time of year when hazards increase, not least because of darker evenings.
“The second week will focus more heavily on enforcement, particularly against those who we identify as repeat or blatant offenders whose behaviour warrants action.
“The ultimate aim of the initiative is to reduce road casualties in the city centre at a time of year where casualty numbers rise, particularly among cyclists.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe, and our aim is to improve the safety of road users in Edinburgh city centre through a combination of education and targeted enforcement.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
