In brief for 10 May 2011

Speeding and seatbelts

SHETLAND police will be joining a regional campaign targeting drivers ignoring speed limits and not wearing seatbelts on Wednesday 11 May.

Northern Constabulary said they were worried by the high number of people caught speeding across the region during their Easter weekend campaign.

Head of road policing Inspector John Smith warned: “I would like to point out that the detection of people driving in an unsafe manner will extend all year road, not just for one day, as we endeavour to deter people from driving in an unsafe manner and detect those who do.”

Influence the police

MORE than 9,000 randomly selected households across the highlands and islands are being invited to take part a survey on where the police and the Scottish courts concentrate their efforts during the next few years.

A similar survey two years ago showed people wanted more focus on alcohol related crime, antisocial behaviour, drugs and speeding, which led to specific campaigns, projects and byelaws to target such offending.

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Chief Constable George Graham said the survey was a “very important contribution to help us to develop and improve the services that we provide”.

Area Procurator Fiscal Andrew Laing added: “Priorities and concerns identified by respondees will influence the strategies set by all the criminal justice agencies in delivering justice in the local communities.”

Northern Joint Police Board convener Norman M MacLeod said: “These are challenging times for those providing public services, with much uncertainty and reduced funding. It is very important that local views and opinions help to shape priorities and the decisions which are made about local services.”