Police forces around Scotland have begun their annual festive road safety campaign.

The four-week purge aimed at stamping out drink-driving, speeding and non-seat belt wearing began on Friday.

Within the first 24 hours Lothian and Borders Police found six people had failed a breath test and more than 40 motorists had been caught driving over the speed limit or not wearing a seat belt.

Police claim there is widespread support for the initiative, and they say there has been little criticism from the 160 drivers who were stopped over the weekend and passed the breath test.

The Christmas road safety campaign will be officially launched on Monday in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Strathclyde Police will be emphasising the need for help from the public - and they will be asking for people to blow the whistle on offending motorists they suspect are breaking the law.

On-going campaigns

Various road safety campaigns are launched at different times of the year to encourage motorists to heed the on-going messages about not drinking and driving, the importance of seat-belt wearing and the need to cut speed.

A light-hearted road safety poster campaign was launched by Lothian and Borders Police earlier this year which used a picture of an underpants-wearing young man.

The unlikely image was adopted in an attempt to encourage young drivers to attend a free driving course being run by the force.

The advert suggested young drivers may need a change of underwear when they realise how frightening it is to be involved in a road accident.