Partners praise participants of Facebook chat on winter road safety

Issued by Police Scotland - Highland and Islands Division

Multi agency partners are praising those who participated in the Facebook chat event last week on the subject of road safety in the winter months held on the Police Scotland, Highland and Islands Divisional social media page.

The live event last Thursday (21 November 2013) saw questions being answered online between 18:00 and 19:30 hours on the subject of winter road and vehicle safety. Over 100 comments were posted during this session, including responses to questions, and was viewed by almost 12,000 Facebook users.

Speaking on the success of the event, Divisional Roads Policing Inspector Neil Lumsden said: "I want to thank everyone for their comments and questions last night and hope that it was informative not only for those actively participating but to the many more who viewed the chat during and after the event.

"What is clear from the event is that road safety is a high priority for our communities. I hope as we move forward in Police Scotland the public will continue to see an increased presence on our roads and I will ensure that some of the issues raised in last nights chat are focused upon. We will continue to target poor driving through enforcement and education with the primary aim of reducing casualties and fatalities on our roads.”

Dougie Bennion of Northern Safety Camera Partnership said: "I want to thank everyone who contributed to the questions that were focussed on Safety Cameras, winter driving and on issues relating to road safety and the deployment on the Highland Roads at specific locations. For further information about deployment locations follow us on twitter @northernSCP.”

Road Safety and Safer Routes to School Officer from Highland Council, Allan Bryce said: "It is important in winter that drivers ensure that they prepare their vehicles for the weather and leave plenty of time for journeys. Please refer to Transport Scotland for more winter driving information http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/winter and http://www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter.htm.”

Anyone wishing to view the chat can do so by going to the Police Scotland, Highland and Islands Divisional Facebook page.