Police urge thinking ahead to winter

Lothian and Borders Police are participating in a national campaign urging motorists and other road users to make sure that they are fully prepared for winter.

The “Get Ready for Winter Weekend”, which is being led by the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) will aim to educate motorists on what they should do to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy this winter. Other road users will also be provided with advice on keeping themselves safe in the months ahead.

The campaign, which gets underway today  until Monday morning. Officers from the Road Policing Unit at Lothian and Borders Police will be out and about across the Force area this weekend, carrying out road checks and delivering the winter safety message to road users.

They will be supported by local officers, who will assist their Road Policing colleagues as they visit shopping centres and other public locations to provide motorists and road users with information and advice.

Superintendent Alan Duncan, Head of the Road Policing Unit at Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Last year’s extreme weather brought home the importance of making sure that road users are prepared for the winter months, regardless of whether you are a motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.

“Whether it be ensuring that your tyres, lights and brakes are in good condition, or that you wear high-visibility clothing, all road users have a responsibility to make sure they are prepared for the months ahead.

“A safety guide which provides advice to motorists, cyclists, joggers and pedestrians is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, which contains a wide range of useful tips.”