Danielle Lappin, Reporter

A FOUR week rural roads safety initiative has launched following a rise in the number of fatal and serious road traffic collisions this year.

The initiative was launched on August 15 by Argyll and Bute Multi Agency Road Safety Group in advance of a national campaign which will take place between September 5 and 11.

Following a rise in serious and fatal road traffic collisions the priority locations will include the A83, A82, A815, A886, B833 and A814.

Partners involved in the launch of this initiative are Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Argyll and Bute Council Road Safety Unit.

Speaking about this initiative, Chief Inspector Paul Robertsone, Area Commander for South Argyll and Bute said: “So far this year we have seen an increase in the number of people of who have been killed and seriously injured on our roads in Argyll and Bute.

“This causes real concern and this group comprising of Police Scotland and key partner agencies are working hard to try to prevent such accidents occurring. As part of our response we will be engaging in a number of education, encouragement, and enforcement activities in an effort to influence driver behaviour and keep our roads safe.”

In Helensburgh, the Rosneath Peninsula, Cowal and Bute there will be an increased police presence at priority locations where officers will be positioned with speed detecting equipment. They will also be patrolling in unmarked vehicles and engaging with drivers giving them road safety advice.

As well as this there will be events for young drivers, biker first aid training, and car seat safety initiatives being run by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Argyll and Bute.

Chief Inspector Paul Robertsone, added: “Road safety remains a priority across all our Communities in Argyll and Bute and as a partnership we are committed to making every effort to address these concerns.

“However, there is also a responsibility on road users to ensure their own safety by not engaging in dangerous driving activity such as speeding, mobile phone usage or overtaking without safe clearance.

“All road users should adhere to the speed limits, take cognisance of the road conditions and pull over both on single track and main roads, if they are aware of someone following close behind.

“Driver frustration is a repeat causal factor in crashes/collisions and something that can be avoided if people just take some time to think about how their driving may be affecting others.”

It is hoped that over the next four weeks the initiative will have made a significant contribution to the road safety agenda and reduced the number of accidents on rural roads in Argyll and Bute.