ROAD checks were carried out near the Clackmannanshire Bridge this week ahead of the major European-wide safety campaign.

Project Edward (European Day Without a Road Death) is currently on tour, reaching out to communities in a bid to prevent serious road incidents.

Officials gathered at the Higgins Neuk Roundabout in support of the project which was set up by TISPOL (European Roads Policing Network).

Taking place on September 26, it is an annual awareness-raising initiative which aims to spread simple safety messages to all road users, helping them to play their part in working towards zero road deaths.

Latest figures show an average of 70 people are killed on roads across Europe each day with about three deaths each week in Scotland.

To help raise awareness of the initiative, the Project Edward vehicle has embarked on a European road trip and is set to visit a number of Scottish locations on its travels.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: "Our vision in Scotland is to have Every Day Without A Road Death, and I am encouraged to see great partnership working across the road safety community in Scotland striving for zero road deaths, not just on September 26, but on each and every day of the year.

“The loss of lives on our roads is a tragedy and, while there is progress, there is also more we can do as one death is one too many.

"By working in partnership with initiatives, like Project Edward, we hope to bring home the message that all road users need to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those who share the roads with them.”

Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, added: "Research has shown that the most significant factors are distraction, such as mobile phone use, impairment through alcohol or drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and speeding.

"We are urging motorists to consider their driving behaviour as we all have a big part to play in improving the safety on our roads.”

The Project Edward vehicle visit aims to remind road users in Scotland to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those who share the roads with them.

James Luckhurst, media advisor TISPOL said: “Project Edward is aiming for a day without a road death, but we shouldn’t settle for anything less than every day without a road death.

“The Project Edwards car you see here today has been in Maidenhead, Heathrow Airport, mid-Wales and around the Thames Valley area in just the few days and it’s off back down to Leeds and Manchester shortly. All the activity culminates in Dublin on Edward Day on Thursday, September 26.

"This is a massive effort and we are proud to support it here in Scotland.

“Thanks to everyone getting involved with Project Edward across Europe and all who are taking part in the activities in Scotland today.”