By HANNAH RODGER

MORE than 5500 drivers have been stopped for speeding in Glasgow city centre in the last year.

According to the latest figures, one motorist is stopped every nine minutes in Scotland for driving above the speed limit.

The data has been released by the Scottish Government as part of a new campaign with Road Safety Scotland urging motorists to slow down in built up areas.

Research for the campaign showed 87 per cent of people think a collision with a pedestrian at 30mph would not be fatal, yet pedestrians are seven times as likely to be killed if they are hit at 30mph than 20.

Around a third of drivers also admitted to rushing through town if they are running late, and 17 per cent said it was okay to rush to pick up their children on time.

Radio, TV, digital and social media advertising will all form part of the ‘In Town, Slow Down’ scheme aiming to get drivers to watch their speeds in busy areas.

Minister for Transport and Islands Humza Yousaf said: “Whether you’re a person driving a car, cycling a bike or walking, we all share the road.

“As a driver, your speed should be appropriate for the conditions and make sure you allow time to respond to the busy and constantly changing environment of built-up areas.

“This campaign highlights the real implications of speeding on Scotland’s built-up roads, and reminds people that driving too fast for the conditions can have serious consequences. The message is simple, in town, slow down.”

Inspector Janet Dickie, Greater Glasgow Divisional Road Policing Inspector, said: “Road safety is a priority for all Road Policing Officers across the Greater Glasgow Division.

“We are committed to working with our partners across Local Authority areas and the Scottish Government to keep our roads safe for all road users.

“It is important that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers share the road with tolerance and understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities.

“Drivers must remember that speed limits are the maximum speed for the road, but not necessarily the safest.”