Thousands die and are injured on the roads each year

Transport spokesman David Mundell called on the executive to give the proposal "serious consideration".

Over the Christmas period, thousands of people will be travelling on the country's roads.

Mr Mundell said: "The sad truth is that too many families will experience tragedy as their loved ones are killed or injured on Scotland's roads."

Under Tory plans, councils would be able to bid for cash from the fund to improve dangerous junctions, roundabouts and stretches of road with bad accident records.

Mr Mundell said: "I renew my call for the government to give this serious consideration, so that our roads can be made safer for all those who have to use them."

He added: "Over Christmas many Scots will travel home by road from all areas of the country to enjoy Christmas with their families.

"Under this scheme lives could be saved. If ever there was a time to remember the dangers on our roads, it is now."