Police Scotland has said that the number of people caught speeding in Perthshire has risen last year by nearly 500.
Officers caught 2,067 drivers travelling above the speed limit in the last 12 months, over 36% more than the previous year’s figure of 1,518.
Police also caught over 40% more people driving without wearing a seatbelt.
These figures, which will be put to Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and communities committee on Wednesday, were released in the same week as four major collisions on Highland Perthshire roads, one of which resulted in the death of an 81-year-old woman.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Services will confirm to councillors that they were called to 80 road traffic collisions in Perth and Kinross last year.
Police data revealed that 14 people died on the road between April 2018 and March 2019, two more than the year before.
Seventy-one people suffered serious injuries in crashes while 162 escaped with minor injuries – three of which were children.
Officers did confirm the number of drivers caught driving dangerously, while disqualified, without a licence or insurance or while using a mobile phone have all dropped.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has found the figures “very concerning” and called for motorists to adhere to speed limits.
He said: “These figures are alarming and reveal there are definite links between speeding and the level of road traffic collisions.
“They indicate that we need motorists to act responsibly and take heed of the speed they are driving and think about the consequences of having an accident at very fast speeds.
“We also need better enforcement from the police, while recognising the pressure forces are under due to cuts to their budgets from the SNP Scottish Government.”
While irresponsible driving can lead to collisions, Police Scotland has stressed that driving whilst tired is one of the leading causes of crashes.
A spokesperson said: “In many of these collisions fatigue may have been a contributory factor.
“We have been working alongside a number of our road safety partners engaging in high visibility patrols and roadside checks to encourage drivers to drive appropriately and take regular breaks.
“Our advice would be to carefully plan your journey and to leave plenty of time. If you are feeling tired, stop in a safe place and take a break. By doing so you will keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe.”
