Happy School Holidays to all the pupils and teachers!
Whether you’re plotting your stops for the North Coast 500 or working out a driving route for an island hopping adventure, make sure you’re planning a safe staycation.
Roads may be busier than usual with more road users who are unfamiliar with the area:
Plan extra time for your journey Pay attention to speed limits & other road users Follow local COVID-19 restrictions
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VisitScotland typically sees around 14 million trips to Scotland by UK residents every year and 134 million tourism day trips1, with 64% bringing their own car2, so it’s anticipated Scottish roads will be busier than ever.
With fatigue being a contributory factor in collisions that kill or seriously injure around 50 people every year in Scotland3, drivers should also ensure they are well rested before setting out on their staycation trips and plan regular breaks.
Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey, said: “We know that drivers are keen to get to their destination but it’s really important they plan ahead before setting off on their staycation.
“Take plenty of rest stops to combat fatigue and be prepared for roads you may not be familiar with. Through this campaign, we’re providing drivers with practical tips and good advice to help them plan ahead and stay safe on our roads this summer.”
The new campaign encourages drivers who are planning a trip in Scotland to be patient as the roads get busier with holiday traffic, and prepare for the unexpected on rural roads. It also highlights that Scotland’s many country and single track roads may require new and different driving skills, particularly for those with less experience of driving in rural areas.
Chief Superintendent, Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland said: “Understandably this year, as a result of the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID restrictions, many people will look to holiday throughout Scotland and elsewhere within the UK in lieu of a foreign holiday.
“This will inevitably result in our roads being far busier than previous summers with greater numbers of cars, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes travelling across the country and many motorists will be on roads they are unfamiliar with.
“It is therefore essential that road users are considerate and courteous to each other, drive or ride responsibly to the road conditions and road class they are travelling on. Road users must also be mindful of their impact on local communities and park in a safe and considerate manner, when enjoying Scotland’s countryside.
“As always, Road Policing Officers will be patrolling throughout Scotland over the coming months to influence road user behaviour, educate motorists on appropriate driving practices and enforcement action will be taken when necessary.”
Everyone has a vital role to play in keeping people safe on Scotland’s roads this summer. Four in five UK residents (84%) are planning a 2021 staycation, with two of the top ten destinations on the travel bucket list located in Scotland – the Scottish Highlands (43%) and Edinburgh (34%).4
Caroline Warburton, Regional Leadership Director, VisitScotland, said: “As we move into the summer months, better weather and further easing of restrictions, we would like to remind people to plan ahead, whether that be booking their accommodation in advance of visiting, checking ahead to see what is open and available and if anywhere is busy, move on to somewhere that isn’t.
“Through our responsible tourism campaign, we are working with a number of organisations and campaigns, including this new road safety campaign to address issues including littering, access, fires, pollution and parking/transport. We ask everyone to do their bit to #RespectProtectEnjoy our beautiful country this summer.”
The new campaign (running across social media, PR and partnerships) features advice about taking your time, planning ahead and expecting the unexpected on rural roads.
For more information visit roadsafety.scot/topics/driving-around-scotland or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages #PlanSmartDriveSmart.
