4 days ago
NC500 tractor driver caught ‘high on drugs' during police crackdown on road trip route
PULL OVER NC500 tractor driver caught 'high on drugs' during police crackdown on road trip route
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A TRACTOR driver was allegedly caught high on drugs during a police crackdown on the North Coast 500.
Officers stopped the motorist on the Dornoch Bridge on the A9, where he was also alleged to have no licence or insurance.
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Police carried out another crackdown on motorists on the NC500 road trip
The tractor driver is alleged to have failed the roadside tests for drugs and alcohol.
He was then arrested and his tractor was seized.
It comes as police carried out another crackdown on motorists on the NC500 road trip.
Officers detected 27 alleged offences – including 13 for speeding and five for careless driving – after stopping over 60 people.
'Road Policing Officers undertook a targeted road safety operation along the NC500 route over the course of the weekend. This was in response to complaints and concerns raised by local residents and serious road traffic collisions along the route,' said the force.
'During the operation over 60 road users were stopped and engaged with including cars, motorcycles, cyclists and campervans.
'Officers also stopped a male driving a tractor on the Dornoch Bridge. He was arrested and his tractor seized.'
Constable Paul Whitehead of the Highlands and Islands Road Policing Unit said: 'Speeding, Carless Driving, Drink and Drug Driving, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt are the five most prevalent factors in serious and fatal road traffic collisions.
"We support and encourage all road users to safely share and use our roads responsibly. Anyone falling below the safe standard should expect to be dealt with robustly in line with road safety laws.'
More than 3800 people have pledged to be responsible tourists on Scotland's answer to America's Route 66 – which has been the subject of numerous complaints from locals over the years.
Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries
People on the NC500 are being encouraged to sign a pledge towards responsible tourism.
North Coast 500 Ltd - the organisation behind the promotion of the 516 mile route - has had thousands of sign-ups for the pledge since October last year.
So far, 93 per cent of people who signed the pledge took part in some sort of 'extra mile' task such as a beach clean or local charity donation.
This includes: 13 per cent took part in beach cleans, 12 per cent donated to local foodbanks or local charity boxes, 91 per cent prioritised local businesses, and 83 per cent shared responsible travel tips either in person or on social media.
The pledge, developed in consultation with residents and businesses along the route, invites visitors to commit to respectful and sustainable tourism during their visit, helping to address the challenges facing local communities as a result of tourism.
'Since its launch, the NC500 has become a beloved journey for travellers from across the globe, showcasing the beauty and culture of the Scottish Highlands.
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Officers detected 27 alleged offences after stopping over 60 people
"As more visitors have explored this iconic route, it became clear that mindful travel is key to lessening the impact on the environment and the lives of residents.
"Preserving the natural landscapes and supporting the local communities that make the NC500 so special is vital to create a balance between tourism and sustainability,' says NC500 Ltd.
'In response, the NC500 Pledge was born—a initiative created to encourage visitors to experience the route responsibly and respectfully. The pledge represents a promise to protect the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit that define the NC500.
'Developed after consultation with residents, businesses, and visitors, the pledge reflects the core values of the Highlands: respect, stewardship, and sustainability. It's a simple but powerful promise to protect the landscape, celebrate the rich heritage, and support the people who live here.
'By taking the pledge, visitors become stewards of the NC500, helping to ensure that it remains a place where adventure and discovery can flourish, without compromising the land or the people who call it home. It's a small action with a big impact—allowing the NC500 to be enjoyed in its full beauty for years to come.'
The initiative asks visitors to leave no trace by disposing of waste responsibly, parking only in dedicated parking areas during the day and overnight and to prioritise shopping in local businesses alongside a list of other positive commitments.
SCOTLAND'S ROUTE 66
DESPITE its challenges, the NC500 is still one of the most popular road trips in the world.
Earlier this year, the scenic route was voted the number one most searched for road trip in the UK and an astonishing fifth in the world-wide table.
With its impressive 516-mile stretch of magnificent coastal views, it's not surprising it's such a popular route for travellers looking to explore. From castles to distilleries there is something for everyone to enjoy.
It was also ranked as the most romantic drive in Britain after an influx of visitors took to the roads for 'staycations' in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
An English couple told how they loved the NC500 so much that they got it tattooed on their bodies forever.
While a couple who travelled the route in an Audi convertible told how it was "one of the best holidays" they've ever had.
It also asks people to be mindful of wildlife, keep noise levels low and avoid lighting fires or BBQs outside of designated areas to reduce the risk of wildlfires.
The pledge is supported by a dedicated digital platform to boost engagement, offering tourists educational resources to help them explore the Highlands while preserving its natural beauty.
The NC500 has been subject to constant complaints over various motoring problems.
One motorhome hire company previously advised its customers to avoid the NC500 after attacks on its vehicles. Two of its motorhomes had eggs and cartons of yoghurt thrown over them - and two also had tyres slashed.
Residents have frequently complained about congestion and mess left behind by cars, campervans and motorhomes across the north.
Tensions on the road trip escalated over the years.
In 2018 police investigated a spate of incidents on the NC500 with attempts to puncture vehicles' tyres. Roofing tacks were found scattered on a road near Bettyhill.
Police have regularly carried out operations on the NC500 each year, catching scores of offenders, including for speeding.
The NC500 has been hailed by various top travel publications, National Geographic and American broadcaster CNN as one of the world's greatest drives and highlighted on TV shows such as Top Gear.
It is estimated to be worth more than £22m a year to the local economy.
However, the circular route, in and out of Inverness, has been described as both a highway to hell and a road paved with gold - boosting tourism but with complaints from residents not just of speeding motorists nut, conversely, also of slow moving convoys of motor homes and long tailbacks of bikers.
