Police warning over bypass danger

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson (L) opened the Dalkeith bypass

Drivers are crossing into the path of oncoming traffic to overtake on the new Dalkeith bypass, police have said.

Lothian and Borders Police have issued a warning following several reports of motorists flouting the law on the new A68 road which was opened last week.

The three-lane road has two lanes running southbound, while the third lane is used by northbound traffic.

The lane is bordered by double solid white lines, meaning that drivers should not cross them.

Other drivers have also been carrying out U-turns on the stretch of road when they realise they are travelling in the wrong direction.

Police are now carrying out regular marked and unmarked patrols in the area, in a bid to catch offenders.

Insp Fraser Jervis, of Lothian and Borders Police, warned "irresponsible driving" on the new bypass was putting lives at risk.

He said: "While we welcome the opening of the new A68 bypass, we do not welcome the dangerous driving taking place on this particular stretch of road.

"Not only are the people responsible putting their own lives at risk, but they are also posing a serious danger to other road users.

"We have increased our presence in this area, and anyone driving in an irresponsible manner can expect to be dealt with robustly."