Motorhome, campervan and caravan owners have been told to “let other motorists past” by police officers leading an operation in Wester Ross, Northwest Highlands of Scotland.
Officers stopped and checked 110 vehicles during efforts “to engage with drivers” in the Kyle of Lochalsh area.
As well as carrying out eyesight tests, police said a high volume of the vehicles they stopped included leisure vehicles.
Constable Matthew Fothergill explained that the exercise gave police the “opportunity to remind motorists… to pull into a layby or passing place to allow vehicles to pass”.
Related: Campervan blaze sparks wild fire in the Highlands
The constable, who is based within the Dingwall Road Policing Unit, said: “This was an excellent opportunity to engage with motorists who have travelled to the Highlands to enjoy the stunning scenery it has to offer.
“We recognise that driving in Scotland is quite different to driving in other parts of Europe, and it’s vital road users remember to drive on the left, especially after stopping for a break or refuelling.
“We also took the opportunity to remind motorists that, when a build-up of traffic occurs behind them on the road, they should pull into a layby or passing place to allow vehicles to pass.”
NEED TO KNOW: Rule 169 of the Highway Code states that motorists should not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if they are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle.
It informs drivers to frequently check their mirrors, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.
The general police recommendation to slow-moving vehicles is to pull over, where it is safe to do so, and make use of lay-bys, when you have six or more vehicles behind you.
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3 comments
Can we stop and remind the police it’s their job to keep streets safe, investigate burglaries and not work for the bloody rich
“As well as carrying out eyesight tests” says it all, just a fishing expedition to catch a few out, issue a few fines and annoy as many people as possible. This is ‘modern’ policing, they’ll tell you.
There are now many in motorhomers , campervaners and caravaners who are entirely new to this way of living or holidaying. Unfortunately a minority don’t bother to conduct themselves in a reasonable or thoughtful way. It is just good manners to regularly pull in to allow overtaking. Good practice also extends to not soiling the countryside with toilet and other waste. All these bad practices are contributing to a lot of overnight free camping stays being closed off.