POLICE are set to deploy a mobile speed camera unit at an accident blackspot in the Scottish Borders in a bid to improve road safety.

A number of lives have been lost on the A708 road between Selkirk and Moffat over the years.

The A708 is known to be particularly popular with both tourists and motorcyclists.

Safety cameras aim to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by encouraging improved driver behaviour and speed limit compliance.

Police Scotland’s East Safety Camera Unit has announced it will station itself at St Mary's Loch in an effort to encourage motorists to slow down.

East Safety Camera Unit Manager, Michael Grant “Short term deployments allow us to respond to emerging issues or changes in traffic behaviour for a period of one month.

Border Telegraph: Police Scotland Police Scotland

“Every summer the A708 at St Mary’s Loch experiences an increase in traffic with concerns being raised about driver behaviour and speed limit compliance.

“Working with colleagues from Police Scotland and Scottish Borders Council, it was agreed that this location would benefit from a deployment of the safety camera van”.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, Lothian and Borders Road Policing “I am pleased that the East Safety Camera Unit will be commencing a short-term deployment on A708 at St Mary’s Loch as this road is frequently used by vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.

“Losing control when travelling at excessive speed is one of the most common causes of collisions involving motorcyclists and sadly the consequences have been fatal in previous years.

“It is the responsibility of all motorists to travel at an appropriate speed within the limit and to be aware of other road users”.