Road safety video message launch

OFFICERS in Dumfries have launched a new campaign to help improve road safety around schools. In a new video, PC Danielle Matthews and Sergeant David Kerr from the roads policing unit aim to educate drivers on safe driving and parking around schools during the winter months. PC Matthews explains: “We receive a lot of reports about dangerous parking and driving at local schools at drop-off and pick-up times. With the darker mornings and nights, the road safety risks to young people increase. “The aim of this video is to remind all road users to be mindful of young people near schools, and to drive and park accordingly. Parking or stopping even momentarily on zig zag or double yellow lines can cause an obstruction and affect the visibility of young pedestrians, who may be crossing, to other road users. “We will be conducting additional patrols over the winter period around schools and anyone found to be parking dangerously, may be issued with a fixed penalty notice which start at £100. “The safety of all road users is a priority for Police Scotland but especially vulnerable road users such as school children. “We hope the video is widely shared and helps to improve road safety around local schools.”