Deaths from road accidents in Aberdeen have fallen by 40% in the last year, but a police chief has warned that more needs to be done to bring down the figures.
The Press and Journal joined members of the Aberdeen City road policing unit this week as part of Operation Whitebeam, improving road safety in the Granite City.
Police outlined the casualty figures which showed there were three people killed in 2015-16 – up to December 2 – compared to five during the same period in 2014-15.
Meanwhile, there have been 52 serious or fatal road traffic collisions so far this year, down from 61 the year before.
The figures highlighted that no children have died during this period, but the number of children seriously injured has risen from five to seven this year.
The number of adults who have been seriously injured has decreased from 66 to 54.
The scheme was introduced in 2013 after eight people were killed and 82 seriously injured in the city in the space of 12 months in 2012.
Despite the decrease in fatalities, Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson insisted: “One loss is one too many”.
Operation Whitebeam involves other partners, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary staff.
Mr Watson said road safety was a major concern for people in the city and officers spoke with residents about issues and listened to feedback from the public.
As part of the operation, police officers with specialist training have been tasked with looking out for anything from speeding to drink-drug driving and vehicle faults.
While out this week on Aberdeen seafront, several drivers were cautioned for exceeding the speed limit and another had a problem with his exhaust.
Inspector Jon Barron of the road policing unit said the goal was zero road casualties.
He said: “As soon as you become a road user, whether as a driver, passenger, rider or cyclist, it’s incumbent on us all to be responsible for our actions, but equally look after each other as well.”
Mr Watson added: “Prevention is better than cure. It really does work in terms of what we’re trying to achieve here.”