Drivers 'distracted by diving birds'

Motorists driving through Gretna Green are being warned to keep their eyes on the road after a number have been distracted by a huge flock of birds.

Police are warning drivers in the area to concentrate after a number of near crashes occurred on a stretch of road next to where tens of thousands of starlings are diving for food.

Speaking to the Times, Sergeant Scott McLachlan of Dumfries and Galloway police said that he was concerned about the number of motorists who are meandering across the road or slowing down to look at the birds.

"We want people to enjoy the birds but firstly they need to be safe," he said.

"I would say to drivers that if they want to see the starlings then they should come off the road and not pull over on to the hard shoulder."

The starlings are so vast in number that they can darken the sky in the area, but they will begin to disperse in March, experts say.

Drivers who are easily distracted on the road are more likely to be involved in a collision and could thus see there car insurance premiums rise.