ROADS Policing Officers in North Ayrshire have this week launched an operation to promote safety and tackle concerns regarding speeding motorists on the A737 at Dalgarven in North Ayrshire.

Following two serious road crashes in recent weeks and concerns raised by local residents, the operation will see both marked and unmarked vehicles regularly patrolling the stretch of road between Dalry and Kilwinning.

Officers will aim to improve driver behaviour through education, detect road crime, monitor the speed of vehicles and take appropriate enforcement action.

Inspector Dean Pennington, of the Ayrshire Division Roads Policing Unit, commented: “We are committed to working with our partners and communities to improve road safety and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Ayrshire’s roads.

“This area of the A737 has seen two collisions this month which resulted in three people sustaining serious injuries. One driver remains in hospital.

“We have recently met with our partners, local residents and businesses in the area to discuss local concerns.

“I would encourage all drivers using the road network to be aware of speed limits, road conditions, other road users and to drive in a safe and responsible manner.

“Speed limits are not targets - it is often not safe to drive at those speeds as the road conditions and weather change.

“Local people often become familiar with a road and take increased risks when they believe they know the road and can therefore drive at excessive speed. Knowing a road doesn’t mean you know what’s around the bend or if a vehicle has stopped in the carriageway ahead.

“Like many roads around Ayrshire, the A737 provides access to a number of houses and farms and speeding motorists present a very real danger to them as they try to enter and leave their homes and businesses.

“I would ask motorists to have consideration for all other road users and do their bit to prevent further injuries.”

Police Scotland will provide regular updates on work to tackle community concerns and improve road safety in the local press and on social media using #AyrshireRoads.

Anyone with concerns about crime in their area is encouraged to contact their local policing team by calling 101 (in an emergency always dial 999).