Drivers are being warned to give cyclists enough space on the roads as part of a new police operation launching in the north east.

Operation Close Pass will stop drivers who pass an unmarked police cyclist too closely.

A specially designed mat is used for this which shows how much space a pedal cyclist should be given when being overtaken by a motor vehicle.

Drivers are reminded to allow at least as much room as they would when overtaking a car when passing a person on a bicycle.

In the next coming weeks the initiative, originally introduced in Edinburgh in 2017 will be rolled out across Aberdeenshire.

Road Policing Sergeant Peter said: "Cyclists are considered vulnerable road users so it is important that drivers recognise the importance of giving them sufficient space on the roads.

"Passing cyclists too closely puts all road users in danger.

"Those drivers that we stop during this operation will be shown how closely they passed the unmarked officer by standing on our specially designed mat.

"With the better weather and longer days, we expect to see an increase in the number of pedal cyclists using the road network across the North East.

"It is therefore imperative that all road users, including cyclists, are aware of their vulnerability irrespective what mode of transport they are using."