Police urge drivers to take care as cold spell continues

Police have renewed their call for drivers to take care on the roads during the wintry spell.

At the same time they are warning against drink driving as the festive period draws near.

Motorists are being asked to ensure their cars are of roadworthy condition, with enough tread in their tyres.

Sergeant Jason Beeston, of the Lerwick police station, said drivers needed to give themselves enough time for journeys while the weather was unpredictable.

“They should … take other common sense safety measures when driving including reducing speed, leaving an increased stopping distance between vehicles and ensuring that they leave appropriate time for their journey thus avoiding having to rush.

“Police in Shetland will continue to pro-actively target drink drivers and this pro-activity will be enhanced in the coming weeks as part of the national festive drink and drug driving campaign.

“This will see local officers targeting suspected offenders as well as there being a marked increase in vehicle stop checks, not only at night time, but also early in the morning to target those who are under the influence of alcohol from having indulged the previous night.”

Also during this extended cold spell police are asking people to check on  vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly, who are more affected by the cold.