Our own eyes and anecdotal evidence from others suggests that some motorists on otherwise quiet roads in Edinburgh are driving far too fast at the moment.
We’ve seen several incidents where drivers have sped towards ambling pedestrians in the city centre – some of them crossing roads, some of them walking beside the pavement to maintain social distancing – forcing them to scurry for safety.
It doesn’t seem to be malicious – more likely thoughtless opportunism on uncharacteristically wide open spaces.
Dangerous driving
A press release from Police Scotland today seems to partially bear out these observations.
It states that between 10 and 14 April, ten people across Scotland were detected for high-level speeding offences and 16 were detected for drink or drug driving offences by Road Policing officers.
These figures represent high-level incidents dealt with by Road Policing Division and do not represent the total across the whole country for the Easter weekend.
Notable incidents in Edinburgh
- Three men and three women who have been charged after being detected driving at speeds between 61mph and 71mph in a 40mph limit on the A90 at Cramond during the morning of 14 April.
- A 35-year-old man who has been charged after being detected driving at 90mph in a 70mph limit, and 80mph and 70mph in a 50mph limit, on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.
Astonishing recklessness
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, from the Road Policing Division said: ‘Drink or drug driving is never acceptable and it is astonishing to see people behave so recklessly, particularly when we all need to be doing our bit to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
‘Officers remain on patrol on the road network and in local communities to deal with illegal driving behaviour in order to keep people safe.
‘While the roads may be quieter as the majority of people stay at home, there still remains the potential for unexpected changes to road conditions, such as the presence of pedestrians or deer and other wildlife.
‘Nobody can predict what is around the corner and speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases your chances of being involved in a crash.
‘Now, more than ever, we urge motorists to drive safely and legally, and to pay heed to government guidance on staying at home.’
[Image top-right: Wikimedia, creative commons.]
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