POLICE in Helensburgh and Lomond can now double their efforts to catch speeding motorists after taking delivery of a second speed detection gun.

Inspector Roddy MacNeill also revealed that several of the speeding punishments given out by officers include ones to local drivers.

Councillors in the area have also been given details of a new town centre CCTV camera being situated along the Helensburgh seafront.

The inspector said that if the device, placed at the junction of Sinclair Street and West Clyde Street, proves successful, then more cameras may be installed in the town.

The police update was given at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee at its virtual meeting today (Thursday, December 17).

Inspector MacNeill said: “Speeding is a daily task for us. We have taken delivery of a second laser speed detection gun which we are using to double our efforts.

“We have issued numerous tickets for speeding, including many to local people.

“We can only be in a couple of places at a time and I know we are only influencing driver behaviour temporarily, but it may impact the ‘need for speed’.

“The speed detection van has been up for a couple of site visits at Arrochar and will be there again when it is able to.

“There is a new CCTV camera being trialled at the bottom of Sinclair Street. It is a very good camera and the only one [of its kind] in the area just now.

“It has only been there a couple of weeks and is getting adjusted to give it a better angle. If it is successful we may deploy more.”

Inspector MacNeill also gave details of how officers are enforcing any breaches of travel restrictions which are in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “Covid has been our issue throughout the year. I have a policing plan for all licensed premises, who themselves are working very well and adhering to regulations.

“We have had people from outwith the area returned to their homes, and have had to use enforcement powers on occasions, but that has been minimal.

“We are continuing with the force policy and visits to licensed premises have been very well received.

“There are some travelling from Dumbarton or Glasgow, or further afield, but we are enforcing as and when it is necessary.

“We have also had calls about houses with more people in them than there should be. If encouragement to leave does not work, then enforcement will be used.”

The inspector also warned of online and telephone fraud, a topic which was previously discussed at the council’s community services committee on Tuesday, December 8.

And he said preparations have already started for what could be another busy summer in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Inspector MacNeill added: “The National Park has quietened down. We are continuing fortnightly meetings with a view to next season to see what we have learned from this year.

“The number of ‘staycationers’ may increase next year if people are not able to book holidays abroad. It was very busy this year and it could potentially be the same again.

“The only real spike we have seen is in fraud, which covers the full spectrum – over the phone, online, or by email.

“There has been various guidance put on social media etc to advise people. There have been various methods, from DVLA scams to hacking accounts.

“It is an ongoing piece of work at a national level to trace the people involved and stop this activity.”