Officers across Scotland will take part in the initiative

All eight forces will target accident blackspots in an attempt to reduce the number of casualties on the country's roads.

No Speeding Day is being run in conjunction with the Scottish Road Safety Campaign's Foolspeed initiative.

Ian Dickinson, assistant chief constable with Lothian and Borders Police, said: "In 2001 there were 347 people who lost their lives on Scottish roads and 3,406 people were seriously injured.

'A real difference'

"Speeding would have been a major factor in many of those crashes.

"We want motorists to show that they can make a real difference to this statistic.

"For one day just think about the friends and relatives of those who have had their lives ruined through their loved ones dying on our roads - help us to make a difference and don't speed."

Everyone can make a real difference and I urge motorists to join the police in making our roads safer for everyone to use Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dickinson

Government surveys have suggested that 70% of drivers regularly exceed 30mph speed limits by more than 5mph.

Research has also said that pedestrians struck by a car at 35mph are twice as likely to die as a person hit at 30mph.

Mr Dickinson also urged motorists to drive at the appropriate speed on roads close to schools, shopping areas and playgrounds.

"Speed limits are not targets and motorists must always drive or ride at the safest speed for the existing road and traffic conditions," he added.

"Motorists should take a responsible attitude when it comes to their use of speed.