The number of children killed on Scotland's roads has increased - despite government targets to reduce fatalities.

Scottish Executive figures show that 14 child pedestrians died in 2001 compared to 13 in 2000.

Ministers described the increase as "a particular cause for concern" and are telling drivers to watch their speed.

A television advertising campaign urging drivers to slow down was launched on Monday as part of National Road Safety Week.

The UK's child casualty rate on roads is one of the worst in Europe

Mary Williams Brake

Speaking ahead of the launch, Scotland's Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald urged drivers to exercise more care.

"Our targets are demanding and require innovative measures and effective partnerships, involving central and local government, the police and road safety organisations," he said.

"Child pedestrian casualty rates are a particular cause for concern.

"Road safety education and training of children is essential and older road users have a special responsibility to safeguard children by ensuring their behaviour does not add to the risks children face on roads."

The latest statistics for Scotland show that:

• 2,955 children were injured or killed in road accidents in 2001

• Of these casualties, 20 children died and another 523 suffered serious injuries

• Half of all child casualties (1,485) were children on foot

• Most child pedestrian casualties were in built up areas

• 309 children on bicycles were injured or killed

• Of the 948 children who were injured or killed in cars, two died and 107 were seriously injured.

Road Safety Week aims to drive home the message that car users and pedestrians must take greater responsibility if these figures are to be reduced.

The week-long initiative is organised by Brake, the road safety charity.

Chief executive Mary Williams OBE said: "The death of a child is particularly devastating.

"The UK's child casualty rate on roads is one of the worst in Europe and Brake urges everyone across the region to slow down during Road Safety Week and every week for the sake of our children."