Fewer speeders are caught in the north
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THE introduction of average speed cameras on the A9 has seen an improvement in driving standards and driver behaviour.
And the better driving scenario has not just been confined to the operational camera areas, it has been reflected across the Highland area with a drop in the number of speeders being caught.
That is the view of the Chief Superintendent Julian Innes who said there had been a 40 per cent drop in the number of motorists nabbed for exceeding the limit in the north.
He said: "Usually we catch just over 100 motorists every other week for speeding, but last week it was down to 60 across the whole of the Highlands."
Ch Supt Innes said he would not have figures available for the number of motorists caught by the average speed cameras until January.
"I suppose locally the figure I am looking for, as far as people getting caught, is zero," he said. "That would be success for me, but it’s not about catching people its about driving behaviour.
"We have noted changes in driving behaviour on the A9 in that it seems to be less aggressive.
"We have had marked and unmarked cars out and our driving officers have noticed that the standards of driving seem to have improved. It will be interesting to see the average speed numbers when they come out.
"We have also had a look at the so-called rat runs and drivers do not seem to be using them, although where there are roadworks people with local knowledge will nip off the A9 and drive along the parallel roads and then back on again, but they have always done that."
He said that people generally seemed to have changed their driving patterns.
"It seems to be that drivers are forgetting cameras are not there and the traffic seems to be running along a little slower on the A9 north of Inverness and also on the A82 and A96," he said. "Our primary aim is not to catch people speeding, it’s to educate drivers.
"I am very grateful for all the good work our police officers have put in for the safety of individuals across the area.
"The challenge for 2015 will be to keep going, to keep the energy in place to see if we can make it even safer."
