OVER 150 vehicles were stopped by police on the A68 and other East of Scotland roads yesterday (Wednesday).

Speeding, driving with no insurance, tailgating, and colliding with a cyclist were among the offences drivers were pulled over for.

Road Policing Officers carried out patrols on the main roads of the Borders, Fife, and Midlothian yesterday, May 11, stopping over 150 vehicles for safety checks.

Officers from the Trunk Roads Patrol Group monitored the A68 as well as the A977 and the A985.

Two fixed penalty notices were issued to motorists travelling at excessive speeds and two were issued to drivers for using their mobile phones whilst driving. Three vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

Two goods vehicles were dangerously overweight and were stopped from continuing their journey, whilst two further goods vehicles were stopped due to defective brakes.

A 53-year-old man was charged with careless driving for tailgating and a 35-year-old female was reported for careless driving for colliding with a cyclist on a roundabout. The cyclist sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, six people received warnings and corrective guidance for breaking the speed limit while 23 others were warned for miscellaneous offences including minor vehicle defects.

In addition, 27 vehicle defect reports were detected and three vehicles seized for various motoring offences, including a 66-year-old man driving as a provisional licence holder unsupervised.

Assisting with the activity in the Borders was the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Inspector Roddy MacMillan, Trunk Roads Inspector for the East of Scotland said: “It’s disappointing to report that a number of drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit and using mobile phones while driving and others driving vehicles with serious defects.

“Their actions demonstrate a total disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users and the consequences can be disastrous.

“As drivers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy. Please take the time to check your vehicles lights, tyres and brakes prior to commencing your journey. 

“Road Policing Officers from the Borders, Forth Valley, Fife, and Midlothian have been concentrating on the objectives of Operation Alternate. This is an ongoing initiative throughout the year and my officers will be focussing on the detection of road crime and offences.

“The intention of this campaign is to influence road user behaviour and make Scotland’s roads safer, by promoting safe and responsible driving throughout the trunk roads network in Scotland, raising awareness and reducing the number of casualties from road collisions.

“Ultimately we want to reduce road crime and disrupt criminals on our roads.

“I would also like to issue a warning to those that continue to drive on Scotland’s roads whilst uninsured or not having an appropriate driving licence. You will get caught. So please do not risk it.”