SCOTTISH cops have taken action to crack down on US tourists driving badly on the North Coast 500.
The 516-mile road trip route attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year – including many from America – who tour the stunning Scottish Highlands.
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But the route has been plagued by dangerous drivers who aren’t used to the winding and narrow rural roads.
Last year cops dealt with a number of serious collisions involving tourists, many of whom were from the US.
MSP Maree Todd, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, met with a Police Scotland Inspector who revealed cops were targeting bad drivers on the route.
And it emerged officers are taking measures to educate visiting Americans on road safety.
Ms Todd claimed cops were contacting rental companies to educate punters on safe driving.
She also told how they have contacted the American Consulate in Edinburgh to try and stop US nationals getting into serious smashes on the route.
Ms Todd said: “Thank you to Inspector Donnie MacKinnon for taking the time to meet with me in Alness earlier today to discuss constituents’ concerns about speeding along the North Coast 500 route.
“It was reassuring to hear about the enforcement efforts underway, including dedicated patrols specifically targeting the NC500.
“I was also encouraged by Police Scotland’s proactive approach to road safety across the Highlands—particularly their engagement with rental car companies and the American consulate to explore ways of better educating tourists on safe and responsible driving, both before and upon arrival in Scotland.
“I completely understand the frustration and anxiety felt by those living along the route as a result of the reckless behaviour of a minority. The NC500 is not a race track – if you witness dangerous driving, please report it to the police.”
Last September, Highlands and Islands police commander Ch Supt Robert Shepherd told the BBC: “We have had three or four fatal or serious accidents this summer involving tourists who have come from North America, mostly the United States.
“The reasons are varied – tiredness or ill-health or similar things.
“My road policing colleagues are in contact with the American embassy to see what we can do, working with them to get the information to people coming to Scotland.”
It’s understood cops are not singling out American tourists only but are focused on improving road safety across the region.
Bad driving has been a major concern for locals living on the NC500, especially around speeding drivers and campervans.
A major concern is motorhome drivers who are unused to the roads and the large vehicles they are handling causing huge tailbacks on the narrow country routes.
NC500 prank sparks fury
EXCLUSIVE BY STUART PATTERSON
ANGRY NC500 locals blasted idiotic Youtubers who nicked a lollipop man’s stick and caused a traffic jam.
David Crossley and his pals headed up from England and caused chaos on the tourist trail in their campervan.
They decided to hold up motors on a busy road as a prank, and recorded themselves mocking and making vile sexual comments about a local who confronted them.
Raging residents say they have reported the stunt to cops to avoid anyone else doing the same in future.
A local said: “Needs arrested. What a k**b.”
Another added: “They saw the Highlands as their own personal Disneyland.
“Many will view their trip as nothing but boyish fun but I thought their antics were disrespectful.
“Obstruction of traffic is illegal and their act was potentially dangerous.
“They should have remembered they were guests in someone’s home.”
But another major concern is with the behaviour of the people driving them.
Campervan drivers ignoring overnight parking rules has been one of the biggest problems plaguing locals.
Council chiefs initially planned to impose a ban on campervans parking overnight in council car parks in Durness and Golspie in Sutherland.
But the plans were pulled amid fears it would lead to more campers parking dangerously on rural roads.
Other aspects of the motorhome mayhem include piles of litter left behind, waste being dumped and even some campers parking on people’s private property.
Inspector Donnie Mackinnon from the Dingwall Road Policing Unit, said: “Road Safety is a local and national priority for Police Scotland, and I share concerns about road users who put themselves and others at risk with little or no regard for the consequences of their actions.
“Careful consideration is given to how we manage competing demands and deploy our resources. We have robust visitor management plans in place for the Highlands and Islands area and we’re working with partners to ensure that appropriate road safety messaging is shared with those who visit as well as those who reside here.
“We are committed to working with partners to deliver a Road Safety Strategy that prioritises casualty reduction, influences road user behaviour and deters criminality on our road network.
“Anyone with concerns about dangerous or irresponsible driving should contact police on 101.”
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