Police launch winter driving campaign

POLICE are reminding drivers in Shetland to be aware of the darker nights and adverse weather that comes with winter.

Police Scotland today (Friday) launched Operation Cedar, which aims to raise awareness of how the public can best prepare for adverse weather conditions.

Sergeant Chris Hardwick, who is based at Lerwick Police Station, said: “Those familiar with driving in Shetland will be well aware and accustomed to much of the effect that the adverse weather can bring and where it normally manifests.

“Our intention is to remind drivers of this and how best to prepare their vehicles for the weather as black ice formations, high winds and heavy rain, with associated flooding can make for very challenging driving conditions across the island.

“Over the coming months officers will be out and about across Shetland stopping and speaking to motorists, offering advice and checking the roadworthiness of their vehicles.

“The following advice on how to ‘stay safe this winter’ and ‘change the way you drive’ have been produced as part of the operation. Working together and taking heed of what winter driving involves will help to keep Shetland’s roads safer this winter.”

Shetland Islands Council, meanwhile, is co-hosting a free tyre check on 22 November ahead of the worst of the winter weather.

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm at Lerwick Fire Station.

There will be free de-icer on offer for the first 100 cars to drop by.