There has been a rise in the number of fatal road accidents on Perth and Kinross roads.
Six people were killed in road traffic collisions in the area between April 1 and September 30.
The figures were included in the mid-year policing report for Perth and Kinross which went before councillors this week.
The Police Scotland Mid-Year Report 2024-2025 for Perth and Kinross was put before the council’s Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee for consideration on Wednesday, November 27.
Between April 1 and September 30, 2024, six people were killed compared to four in the previous period. And 57 people were seriously injured on local roads compared with 37 over the same six-month period last year.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended 55 road traffic collisions between April 1 and September 30, 2024 where they were required to provide assistance.
In May, a motorcyclist was killed on the A822 at Amulree. That same month, a pedestrian was killed on the A9 Perth bypass.
In June, a father and daughter were killed on the A823 at Gleneagles.
This week a Chinese tourist was jailed for driving on the wrong side of the A9 in June and killing a motorcyclist.
In September, a female passenger was killed in a crash on the B9099 by Stanley.
Perth and Kinross area commander Greg Burns said: “All these incidents were investigated by our divisional road policing unit under the supervision of a qualified SIO [Senior Investigating Officer] collision investigator.”
While there has been a rise in serious accidents on the roads, police have noted a “marked reduction” in speeding but believe that may partly be down to the cost of fuel.
Chief Inspector Greg Burns added: “We continue to see a marked reduction in the number of speeding offences recorded. While this is a positive trend in suggesting engagement that enforcement activity is having a positive impact on driver behaviour, it’s still too early to suggest societal change. A number of other factors including the increased costs, improved travel options may also have a part to play in this.
“I’m conscious speeding remains a key concern for local communities and I can provide assurance that our levels of activity in relation to enforcement remain high.
“Our divisional Road Policing Unit continues to pro-actively patrol priority routes and the observation of officers is that the majority of road users are abiding by the speed limits.”
In her report Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell said officers were actively targeting the Fatal Five to reduce the number of casualties and accidents on Perth and Kinross roads.
Ch Supt Russell wrote: “Local Policing and Road Policing Unit Officers have been able to target driving behaviour which we believe will have the greatest impact on casualty reduction and address community concerns. Enforcement activity has concentrated on the Fatal Five which are dangerous/careless driving, drink/drug driving, speeding, seatbelts, and mobile phones.”