Major concerns have been raised about cars speeding recklessly through a Moray village.
Residents of Rafford, between Forres and Dallas, have brought the problem to the attention of MSP Richard Lochhead.
During his surgery tour yesterday, the main complaints were about cars speeding into the village from the Dallas end.
Even while Mr Lochhead spoke with constituents by the roadside in Rafford, vehicles were regularly zooming past at a high speed.
He has now raised the issue with local police and he and local councillor Aaron McLean are encouraging people to watch their speed as they enter the village.
Mr Lochhead said: “During my surgery in Rafford, a number of local residents came to me to share their concerns about the speed of traffic entering the village from Dallas.
“Concerns around speeding in the village are not new and members of the community told me that, despite this issue being raised with the authorities previously, little progress has been made.
“I met with the local police last week and I raised the issue on behalf of the local community and urged police to take this matter seriously, given the serious concerns in Rafford.
“I’ve witnessed myself the speed that some cars fly into the village and understand why residents are concerned – drivers need to be reminded to stick to the speed limit when passing through.”
Mr McLean added: “After a number of issues over the years, it seems that speeding is still an issue after a number of concerns raised by local residents.
“I’m happy the police are looking into it as I’m aware that instances of speeding decreased after the last time that were active in the area.
“I’m hopeful the council could put some temporary traffic calming measures into the area to remind motorists of the 30mph speed limit through the village.”
The problem has plagued the village for several years. It has been a prominent topic of conversation at numerous meetings of Finderne Community Council, where concerns over speed limits in Rafford, between the upper and lower parts of the village were raised repeatedly by the public.
Some of the speeding has been attributed to agricultural vehicles in the 30mph zone.