Police are launching a week-long initiative to reduce the number of speeding motorists on Scotland's roads.

Officers will increase their presence on the road throughout the week, cracking down on speeding drivers and educating vulnerable groups - such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists - about dangers on the roads.

Cutting crash casualties and fatalities remains one of Police Scotland's top priorities, according to chief superintendent Andy Edmonston, head of road policing for Police Scotland.

He said: "Vulnerable road users accounted for nearly half (95) of all road fatalities in 2014 and a further 3,348 suffered injury.

"We want people to realise the potentially devastating effects their driving can have on others, especially vulnerable road users."

The latest Transport Scotland figures indicate that cyclists are the only road group to have suffered an increase in casualties, up 14.4% for the period 2004 to 2014.

Over the same period, the number of casualties involving car users was down 41.7% to 6770 in 2014, compared to 11,605 in 2004.

Pedestrian casualties decreased by 43.3% over the ten year period, while the figure for motorcyclists is down by 17.5%.

Mr Edmonston added: "Speed limits are there for a reason and show the maximum speed at which it is permitted to drive, however drivers also need to drive according to the prevailing conditions, adjusting speed accordingly if it is wet, foggy or the sun is low for example.

"This may result in a safe speed being considerably below the posted limit.

"We are committed to achieving the Scottish Government's 2020 casualty reduction targets.

"By driving at an appropriate speed and being aware of road conditions, you can help us reduce the number of casualties on Scotland's roads and make the roads safer."

The campaign runs from 7am on Monday until the same time the following week.

.