The Scottish Government are set to discuss the possibility of changing the national speed limit in Scotland as part of attempts to cut the number of deaths on roads.

It comes as new figures show that there has been a 26 percent rise in fatal casualties compared to the same period last year, and is part of a plan to make Scotland the country with the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop reiterated her belief that one death is too many and the Scottish Government will spend a record £36 million on road safety investments in the 2024/25 financial year.

They will include a range of national driver behaviour change campaigns, including targeting speeding and seat belt use, advancing the use of technology capable of detecting those driving whilst using handheld devices and not wearing a seat belt.

Over £4 million will be spent to support the delivery of projects aimed at reducing pedestrian and cyclist casualties as well as a £10 million Road Safety Improvement Fund to support local authorities reduce casualty and risk on the local road network.

Ms Hyslop said: “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. As always, my first thoughts are with the families and friends who have tragically lost a loved one, and those whose lives are changed forever.

“Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goals.

"However, despite our best efforts, I am aware of the challenges we face in meeting casualty reduction targets for 2024 and that the number of fatal casualties for 2024 is tracking 26% above the same period last year.

“That is why a record £36m is being invested this financial year to deliver a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving driver behaviour and ultimately reducing the number of casualties on our roads.

"This includes campaigns to encourage a change in behaviours regarding speeding and seat belt use, funding to help local authorities enhance road safety performance on local roads and advancing the use of technology to tackle issues around driver distraction.

“We will also roll out training around the Safe System approach to road safety for our key operational partners and stakeholders, as well as carry out a public consultation to explore views on potential changes to national speed limits on Scotland’s roads.

“I want to restate the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving its goal of making Scotland’s roads amongst the safest in the world by 2030.  This comprehensive package of measures over the coming financial year is aimed at helping to deliver this.”