Home   News   Article

One Inverness motorist charged and others warned after Police Scotland officers in the Highlands continue cycling safety crackdown Operation Close Pass


By Philip Murray

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Police demonstrating the safety mat during a past event (file picture).
Police demonstrating the safety mat during a past event (file picture).

A CRACKDOWN on motorists who fail to give cyclists enough safe space on Highland roads has resulted in one charge and several other drivers receiving police advice.

An unmarked police cyclist took to General Booth Road in Inverness as part of the Highland division's ongoing safety campaign – Operation Close Pass.

The clampdown is aimed at ensuring drivers give adequate room to cyclists on Highland roads.

At General Booth Road, several drivers were stopped for passing too closely to a the police cyclist.

The force said that one driver had been charged with careless driving as a result, while several others were given a demonstration on how to overtake safely using a specially designed mat.

Road policing Constable Paul Whitehead said: “We are constantly working to make the roads safer for everyone. Operation Close Pass provides us with a good opportunity to speak to road users to highlight our respective responsibilities and to raise the awareness, both by interacting with motorists and other members of the public at the roadside and by generating wider discussion on social media.

“With people returning to work and traffic levels increasing, we need to share the roads more responsibly. If you rarely cycle, you might not realise how intimidating it can be if someone drives too close.

“There is room for everyone on our roads and we all have a right to be there. We encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other, and we were very pleased with the large majority of vehicles which gave the cyclist plenty of room.

“All road users should be able to travel safely and we hope that activity like Operation Close Pass will encourage everyone on the roads to consider how their behaviour could change for the better.”

Related news: Highlands and Islands road policing officers spoke to a number of drivers during Operation Close Pass in Nairn

Related news: Motorists stopped for driving too close to police cyclist between Inverness and Nairn




This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More