Crackdown on drivers on main roads in and out of Scotland

Lothian and Borders Police and their neighbouring forces are carrying out a major operation across roads in the Scottish Borders and the North of England. Road Policing Officers from the Borders will join colleagues from Northumbria Police, Cumbria Constabulary, Durham Constabulary, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and Cleveland Police between Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd February to carry out searches of vehicles utilising the arterial routes between both countries.

The activity is part of Operation Overlord – an ongoing initiative co-ordinated by Lothian and Borders Police to identify and deter criminal activity on the road network.

Police will be on the look out for various motoring offences including speeding, drink/drug driving, driving without a seatbelt and driving without a valid licence; MOT or insurance.

Partner agencies from VOSA and SEPA will assist with roadside checks to ensure all vehicles stopped are roadworthy and do not present a risk to the environment.

Other organisations including British Transport Police HMRC Road Fuel, Benefits Agency, Motor Insurance Bureau and BT Openreach will also support Operation Overlord to help identify vehicles and individuals responsible for crimes including bogus workmen, metal theft and drugs couriering.

Anyone found to be involved in criminal activity over the 48-hour enforcement period will be robustly dealt with.

Superintendent Denise Mulvaney, Head of Road Policing for Lothian and Borders Police said: “The majority of motorists who utilise the road network between Scotland and England need not worry themselves with our presence over the next couple of days. However, a small number of people use these arterial routes to commit crimes North and South of the border and all the police forces are working closely together to bring these individuals to justice.

“As well as deterring and detecting crime, police will use this opportunity to gather intelligence on criminals who regularly move between both countries.

“Officers are also keen to ensure drivers are adhering to the laws of the roads and that their vehicles meet the required safety standards so as not to put other motorists at risks.

“I’m grateful for the support and assistance of all our police colleagues and partner agencies during this operation, which highlights our commitment to tackling all forms of crime, wherever it occurs.”