Summer Drink Driving Campaign Scotland More Information

July 8th, 2009

More details of a tough summer drink driving crack down has been revealed from Lothian Police Forces

A summer road safety initiative targeting those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs has been launched.

The article is from this source:

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/107581-summer-drink-drive-campaign-in-lothians/

Please note the use of ‘unmarked cars’, targetting ‘morning after’ drinkers and the unusual step of writing to people they suspect of drink driving even if they cannot be traced at the time. It even mentions some of the locations they will be targetting including shopping centres and public events.

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Summer drink drive campaign in Lothians

A summer road safety initiative targeting those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs has been launched.

A summer road safety initiative targeting those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs has been launched.

Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will be conducting marked and unmarked patrols, as well as holding static road checks in order to catch offenders.

Officers will focus on “morning after” motorists who drive while still under the influence of alcohol consumed the night before.

Officers will be using a bluetooth transmission device to send a short message to mobile phones with an anti-drink/drug drive message.

The message will be delivered at various locations including shopping centres and at public events.

In some circumstances officers will send letters to the owners of vehicles seen and suspected of drink driving activity even if they have not been traced at that time.

The ‘Curb the Danger’ letters are intended to act as a warning to those drivers that if they flout the drink driving law, they will be caught.

Superintendent Alan Duncan said in a statement: “There are a variety of events taking place across the force area at this time of year, and we are alive to the fact that this brings an increased potential for offending.

“Although one aspect of the campaign is to focus particular attention on ‘morning after’ drivers, we have in place a robust and comprehensive enforcement plan which will target roads across the force area at all times of the day and night.

“In addition, we hope to prevent further offending by employing the use of warning letters, and by using our Bluetooth transmitter to get the anti drink/drug drive message out to people on their mobile phones.”

He added: “We intend that through a combination of education and enforcement we can reduce offending, as well as getting the message across to the minority of motorists who continue to drink and drive that they will be caught.”

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Please take advantage of our free service if you would like to ask a confidential question to a specialist road traffic solicitor in Scotland

 

Summer clampdown drink driving Scotland

July 6th, 2009

Warning: Summer clampdown on drink driving coordinated by all 8 Scottish Police Forces

The article below was published on: http://scotland.newsfed.net/2009/07/06/summer-clampdown-on-drink-driving/

Whilst at roadtrafficlaw we are specilsist at dealing in the defence of people charged with drink driving in Scotland… we would always encourage people not to drink and drive hence we feel it is important to reiterate this article’s message.

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Summer clampdown on drink driving

Drinking alcohol reduces the reaction times of drivers

Drivers have been warned not to allow the good summer weather to tempt them to drink and drive.All eight Scottish police forces are coming together to reinforce the drink driving message with a two week long summer campaign. The co-ordinated campaign has been organised by Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. It coincides with the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, The Open at Turnberry and the T in The Park music festival. Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson, from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, said: “With the summer months now upon us and potentially many more motorists travelling across Scotland to visit the major attractions I would urge drivers to act responsibly.” He said it was not worth the risk of “either killing or seriously injuring themselves or others”. Chief Supt Anderson urged people to be “aware of the consequences of being caught for drink or drug driving”. During a similar two week campaign across Scotland in 2008 officers caught 343 people who were over the limit. He added: “Those drivers will currently be disqualified and may have lost their jobs. In the present climate they may find it increasingly difficult to find work. Officers will again be out in force, as they are each day of the year, to keep our roads as safe as possible.” The campaign will run until 20 July, and the police have urged the public to contact Crimestoppers if they suspect anyone of drink driving.

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The above article was published on: http://scotland.newsfed.net/2009/07/06/summer-clampdown-on-drink-driving/

If you have been charged with drink driving or any other road traffic advice please see our main site here

If you want to ask any queston, free and in confidence to a specialist road traffic lawyer here

Best Drink Driving Information Scotland

July 1st, 2009

We believe roadtrafficlaw.com has the best information on drink driving in Scotland

Here,  not only can you see examples of our videos taking you through the whole procedure of being charged with drink driving in Scotland (from first being stopped and breathalysed through to your final court appearance)… but also other links on mistakes to avoid, possible defences and what to ever do if you find yourself with being charged with drink driving.

Below are the videos followed by the links to other information…

Here are the other links on our site relating to drink driving scotland

drink driving scotland

mistakes to avoid drink driving scotland

alcosense should I buy one?

drink driving law in Scotland

the hip flask defence

drink driving the procedure in scotland

sentencing guidelines in scotland

General road traffic law in Scotland (including speeding, disqualification, dangerous driving, etc)

And finally one of our most popular resources where you are able to ask a specialist road traffic lawyer a question FREE and in confidence

Get Off Driving Ban Scotland

July 1st, 2009

Facing a driving ban? Drink driving, speeding or careless driving etc? Specialist help lead to these ’certain’ charges being overturned. Ask a lawyer NOW!

Whilst most of our clients seek anonymity… for obvious reasons… sometimes the press get hold of a story. And thats why we can give you the following examples of just a few of our successful cases…

First example:

A man accused of driving at 122mph on a notorious stretch of road has had the case against him dropped over a legal technicality

Mr Clason’s lawyer, Graham Walker, a road traffic law specialist, objected and claimed the officer’s testimony on the gun’s calibration was “only hearsay evidence”.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Clason admitted: “I’m very relieved and I’m surprised at what happened.

“I didn’t really appreciate how fast I was going that night.

“But the people who enforce the law and prosecute must themselves abide by those very same laws.”

Next example:

The musician, real name Myles McInnes, appeared at Glasgow District Court earlier this week (ends23Dec07) over an incident in March (07), in which he was stopped by police in the city for being over the legal alcohol limit.

Graham Walker a specialist solicitor from roadtrafficlaw.com. said, “I had intended to call for the case to be deserted. However I was not aware that the two police witnesses would not turn up, which then became another argument for the charges to be dropped. It would not have been fair on my client to have the case adjourned.”

Next example:

ANOTHER Scottish solicitor and road-traffic expert has claimed that a speed detection device which has caught thousands of Scotland’s motorists might not be legal.

Road Traffic Law’s Graham Walker is calling for police to stop using the Pro Laser III handheld speed meter as it is not covered by the law for use in Scotland.

Drivers who have lost jobs, mortgages, and even relationships after convictions that caused them to lose their licence might have an appeal point and should seek legal advice as soon as possible said Mr Walker.

Next example:

A SCOTLAND international footballer was today cleared of speeding at 90mph in a 50mph zone after a prosecution attempt to postpone the case was thrown out.

Alan Hutton, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, was accused of speeding in his Bentley on the M77 in Glasgow.

Graham Walker said following the abandoned trial: “Mr Hutton is delighted that he is able to put this matter behind him and that he has been able to secure his licence.

“As he currently has nine points, he would have faced a six month ban.

He added: “He can now return to footballing.

“He can drive his Bentley in peace.”

Next example:

DUNDEE United striker Warren Feeney was cleared of doing 81mph in a 40mph zone on a legal technicality yesterday.

Bungling prosecutors failed to give Feeney’s lawyers a document to show that the speed gun used to clock him was working properly.

Fiscal depute Ross Cargill asked the court to adjourn the case so he could send the paperwork to Feeney’s defence team.

But Feeney’s lawyer Graham Walker said: “This is a trial and not Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. It is not appropriate for the fiscal depute to just call a halt to proceedings so he can phone a friend.”It would be wholly inappropriate and unjust to move the trial to another day.”Justice of the Peace George deGernier agreed and dismissed the case.

As stated earlier these are our public examples that often involve celebrities, footballers and the like

That does NOT mean we can’t help the average working person. You may beinterested in our recent video: ‘Only for the rich and famous’? which you can find here.

You can also get free specialist assistance by asking any quesion of a specialist road traffic laywyer here. You can be assured of the strictest confidentiality

Speeding Offences Scotland

June 30th, 2009

Don’t just accept the points or disqualification as a result of your speeding offence in Scotland, or drink driving or any road traffic offence. Get expert help now!

You are not alone!

Most people’s first reaction is to accept their fate… and the penalty and/or disqualification that awaits.

Some even feel guilty about the situation… and feel they should accept their punishment. In fact there are a variety of reasons why people don’t take the action they need to which can often result in a favourable outcome.

But the fact is if you don’t act fast… it may be too late

And by the time people realise the true consequences of pleading guilty losing their licence.. guilt or shame are the least of their worries

A speeding, drink driving or careless driving ban can mean the loss of a job and career. It’s also been the reason for repossession (because of the loss of income) divorce, estranged families, loss of personal freedom, social life… and more.

And just when its time to get your licence back you even realise that you will be inevitably hammered for insurance.

Are you going to let this happen just because you did not take action and get expert help when you really needed it?

And there’s no need to wait until you are banned. If you have point now you need to protect your licence and your livlihood and way of life.. by getting expert help and properly defending yourself.

Whilst we are not the cheapest, we were the first specialist road traffic lawyers in Scotland and have a long track record of defending drivers successfully. Experience, know how, reputation and a track record of results are always a worthwhile investment.

But in the first instance you are able to ask a specialist lawyer a question in confidence here without obligation.. so it’s a good place to start

Save Driving Licence Scotland

June 25th, 2009

Save your driving licence now! Specialist road traffic lawyers are not just for celebrities, footballers or the rich and famous. Contact us now in confidence

Are you worried about losing your licence and want to know how much specialist help costs?

Firstly watch our video below with a personal message from Graham Walker founder of Scotland’s first specialist road traffic lawyers… explaining why expert road traffic help is definitely NOT just accessible to the rich and famous

We aslo have another post on this blog ablout the costs involved in defending speeding and other charges here: http://roadtrafficlaw.com/road-traffic-law-scotland/cost-of-defending-a-speeding-charge-scotland

Scottish speeding law expert dismisses scheme

June 25th, 2009

Specialist road traffic lawyer slams the “Intelligent Speed Adaptation” pilot scheme in Scotland. Driving problem? Ask a specialists lawyer a question NOW!

In response to this article on the RAC website proposing a pilot scheme in Scotland that automatically deploys computer GPS technology to physically prevent cars going over a 20mph speed limit… specialist road traffic lawyer Graham Walker can’t believe the proposals are real…

Here is the article: http://www.rac.co.uk/know-how/motoring-news/item/2009/06/16/pilot-scheme-to-reduce-speeding/

 Is the Scottish Government seriously proposing to spend our hard earned tax on this nonsense? When I first read the article I had to check the calendar and see if this was one of those April Fools day stories.

 

The Scottish Government are looking for an easy solution to a multifaceted problem. We already have “Intelligent Speed Adaptation” in Scotland. It is called an accelerator pedal and a set of brakes. I accept that some people don’t have the intelligence, maturity or common sense to use the present “Intelligent Speed Adaptation System” appropriately but they are not likely go out and get anything fitted that will interfere with their day to day driving decisions. Those people need to be trained, informed and encouraged to drive well.

 

Cars and motorcycles represent freedom for many people, the choice to go anywhere at any time and the sense of liberation that comes with it. We all remember what it was like to get behind the wheel of a car for the first time. Of course road safety is a major concern and in my view it should be addressed with further driver training for new drivers (Motorway and Night driving) with a reward system that makes sure that the insurance companies really do lower their premiums for young drivers who have taken all the extra steps required to demonstrate that they are good drivers. There are many other areas that could be improved including the re engineering of roads that have been identified as “Blackspots”. In Scotland we have seen dramatic improvements in road safety where speed limits are reduced to 20mph near schools but if they role this out through ALL residential areas I am sure the net effect will be that drivers will start to ignore the 20mph signs. At the moment they work, as they highlight the genuine need for a speed reduction but if drivers cannot see the need, it is only human nature to assume they will return to their own self interest and need for urgency when driving in  their day to day lives.

 

My other concern with this story was that it may have  a sub text perhaps that if these devices are shown to work Big Brother might next suggest that any person who has been convicted for speeding will be compelled to have one of these devices fitted? Or perhaps newly qualified drivers will be forced to have such devices fitted for an agreed period.

 

Graham Walker was responding to this recent article on the RAC website: http://www.rac.co.uk/know-how/motoring-news/item/2009/06/16/pilot-scheme-to-reduce-speeding/

 

If you ahve an issue with amy aspect of road traffic law in Scotland you a can ask a specialist lawyer a question in confidence by clicking here

 

Road Traffic Solicitor Scotland

June 23rd, 2009

Can you afford a road traffic solicitor in Scotland? Are they just for the rich and famous? A specialist lawyer explains the service in this short video…

Firstly it may not be as expensive as you think…

And secondly, the problems of possibly of losing your job, standard of living, family life, etc can have other serious consequences.

In this video… Graham Walker… Scotland’s leading road traffic solicitor explains…

If you have a question you would like to ask a specialist in confidence… please go here: road traffic solicitor Scotland

Drink Driving Penalty Scotland

June 14th, 2009

A video on the drink driving penalty in Scotland, the court appearance & why expert help is a must.  Ask a specialist lawyer a question in confidence.

This is the last in our video series and considers the court procedures, your plea and drink driving rehabilitation courses that will reduce the length of the ban

After you have viewed the video you can ask a specialist lawyer any question in confidence on drink driving penalty scotland or any aspect of road traffic law

Cost of Defending a Speeding Charge Scotland

June 14th, 2009

What is the cost of defending a speeding charge in Scotland? Is it worth it? What is driving worth to you? Ask a specialist lawyer a question in confidence NOW!

Some fifteen years after the introduction of speed cameras huge numbers of drivers are still speeding. But very few motorists realise the horrendous and unexpected costs in defending such a prosecution.

Glasgow based lawyer, Graham Walker of roadtrafficlaw.com said that many clients do not realise that The Scottish Legal Aid Board will be unlikely to fund their defence due to the fact that Legal Aid is a means tested resource and most motorists are likely to fall out with the financial guideline limits.
He said “When they realise how much they will require to pay to defend their case they are often horrified.”

Walker said that it can easily cost in the region of £2,000 to £3,000 to defend such a case depending upon how much time the whole court procedure takes.

When asked – Who would spend this sort of money defending a case where the penalty would most likely be 3 penalty points and £60 fine?. Mr Walker explained that there are more than 6000 cameras on the roads of Britain and that 4 in 10 motorists were driving with some penalty points on their licence therefore a licence could fall into jeopardy very quickly.

Under the totting-up system, those with 12 lose their licence – and often their livelihood. Walker says part of the blame for the rise in speeding fines lies with the explosion in the number of cameras. But he also cites the pressure of modern life, with ‘stressed-out’ workers rushing to meet deadlines as they average 20,000 miles a year on business.

Official figures show that the war on motorists has reached unprecedented heights. The Department of Transport said there were more than 13million prosecutions in a year, with camera offences up 45 per cent to a record 1.9million.

In the UK around 33,000 lost their licence for hitting 12 points.

He advises that motorists should look to their insurance company for cover in some cases or that they make provision by joining a “Fee Discount” scheme like his own “Trafficlawplan” He explained that after a particularly painful visit to his dentist he noticed a scheme called “Denplan” that would have reduced the pain of paying the dentist’s fee. He then decided to set up a similar scheme for legal fees in road traffic cases in Scotland.

Whatever you decide if you can ask questions on the cost of defending a speeding charge in Scotland or any other questions on all aspects of road traffic law scotland