TWENTY-FOUR drivers have been charged with various driving offences in the first few weeks of the Rural Roads safety campaign in Argyll and Bute.

The Rural Roads campaign has seen police officers in Helensburgh and Lomond, supported by the road policing unit, carry out increased patrols and speed enforcement checks in the area, particularly on more rural roads and communities.

The four-week safety initiative was launched across Argyll and Bute in response to a rise in the number of fatal and serious road traffic collisions to happen this year.

It is hoped that after the four weeks a significant contribution will have been made to the road safety agenda and the number of accidents on roads will be reduced.

The first few weeks of the initiative have seen three drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol, drivers using their mobile phones, driving at excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt and other offences including not having an MOT or car insurance.

The increased patrols are set to continue and police are urging drivers to drive responsibly, within the speed limits and to show consideration for other road users.

Anyone with any concerns about road safety is asked to contact police on 101.