MOTORISTS who drive too close to cyclists are being targeted in a new road safety campaign launched by Police Scotland.

Police officers in plain clothing will be cycling on Scotland’s roads with a camera on their handlebars ready to alert colleagues if drivers break the law.

A poll by Cycling Scotland found three quarters of Scots are unaware they could get three points on their licence and £100 fine for driving too close to a cyclists.

It is a careless driving offence for motorists to not have at least a car’s width or 1.5metres.

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Drivers can receive a criminal conviction in the most serious cases.

Research shows cyclists experience a “very scary” close pass every couple of days.

A campaign to promote cycle safety will also run on television and social media until June 2.

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “Every week in Scotland, at least three people cycling suffer serious, potentially life-changing injuries, usually from a collision with a vehicle.

“Cycling has huge benefits for both physical and mental health and to encourage even more people to cycle, we need to make sure people feel safe cycling on our roads.

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“Our new TV ad campaign shows how it can feel to be close passed and increases awareness of the legal consequences for people driving too closely to someone cycling.”

Inspector Andrew Thomson said: “Keeping all road users safe is a key priority for us and this campaign highlights that cyclists are vulnerable when being passed by vehicles too closely.”

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