Student banned over 118 mph speed

The crackdown on the A702 caught a number of motorists

A student who drove at speeds of up to 118 mph on a rural road in the Scottish Borders has been banned from driving.

James O'Brien, 19, from Tring in Hertfordshire, was caught speeding in a BMW during a police crackdown on the A702 in August.

He was given a six-month ban at Peebles Sheriff Court and was also fined £150 for the offence.

O'Brien apologised to the court but could not offer an explanation for reaching such speeds.

Two other motorists also received bans.

Van driver James McLaughlan, 33, of Biggar, was caught travelling at an average of 103 mph on the A702 on 1 August.

He appealed to the court to keep his licence, as a ban would mean he lost his job.

However, Sheriff James Farrell disqualified McLaughlan, who already has two speeding convictions, for six months and fined him £150.

The same sentence was given to unemployed biker William Lyle, 53, of Lanark.

He topped 105 mph on his Harley Davidson motorbike.

Earlier this month another biker lost his licence as a part of the campaign.