A CAMPAIGN to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on Scotland's roads has been launched - and it is urging people to have a Nice day.

Scotland's Transport Minister Keith Brown launched the campaign, aimed at encouraging greater respect among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. at the Riverside Museum, Glasgow.

The Nice Way Code campaign has the support of motoring, cycling and trade bodies, such as the Road Haulage Association and the Scottish Taxi Federation.

l drivers are asked to give cyclists room when over‑ taking and to look out for pedestrians crossing.

l Cyclists are asked to keep off the pavements and obey the traffic signals.

l Pedestrians are asked to not use a mobile phone while crossing the road.

Scotland has seen a steady reduction in road fatalities and accidents in recent years, with 170 people killed in 2012 and 1959 seriously injured.

But Government ministers and road safety campaigners want to see the figures brought down even further.

Mr Brown met cycling and motoring groups' representatives at the launch.

He said: "The campaign seeks to build a culture of tolerance and patience between cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and all other road users across Scotland.

"While the numbers of road casualties in Scotland are at their lowest level, there is still no room for complacency."

Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: "Road safety is everyone's responsibility and it is important we move away from the 'us and them' mentality of some drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, when almost everybody falls into at least two of those categories."

He said: "The Institute supports the campaign because we believe sharing the road safely is the key to encouraging more cyclists on our roads.

"Our research suggests half of drivers already own a bike, but only 19% of them use it regularly mainly due to safety concerns.

"If everyone on the roads can work together to reduce stress, give each other more room and stick to the rules, then many more people will be encouraged to dig out their bikes and get back in the saddle."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk