Dumfries and Galloway police officers aim to curb anti-social driving

The step-up comes as the force revealed they are receiving “a lot” of calls regarding the issue

Dumfries and Galloway’s police officers are on a mission to curb a rise in anti-social driving.

The step-up comes as the force revealed they are receiving “a lot” of calls regarding the issue.

And in a hard-hitting message they warned “we want you to know we’re on it - safety is priority”.

Under the crackdown a number of hot spots have been identified and will be actively patrolled by marked and unmarked police vehicles.

Out of order behaviour includes excessive revving, harsh acceleration and excess speed in built up areas.

Sergeant Neil Moffat from roads policing said: “Driving in an antisocial manner isn’t just reckless – it puts everyone on the road at risk, including you and your passengers.

“It has the potential to cause serious collisions and injuries.

“Remember that our officers have the authority to seize vehicles if they’re being driven irresponsibly.

“In fact, we’ve recently had to seize several vehicles, including motorcycles, due to dangerous driving.”

Sergeant Moffat said a number of vehicles stopped recently have also had illegal or defective parts such as tyres, exhausts and
lights.

He added: “Please ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and any modifications made must be declared to your insurance company, or your insurance could be invalidated.

“We will continue to carry out enforcement in relation to these offences and any offenders will be dealt with robustly.”

“If you see someone driving in a reckless manner, please let us know by calling 101.

“And if you feel that someone is driving dangerously or there’s an immediate risk to anyone’s safety, call 999.

“Together, we can keep our roads safe.”

Anyone caught driving in an antisocial manner can be warned under the Antisocial Behaviour Act (Scotland) if their driving is deemed to have caused, is causing or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

The warnings are live for 12 months and if there’s a repeat within that time the vehicle can be seized by police and the driver reported to the procurator fiscal.

Fines and penalty points are the usual punishment.

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