A dedicated new road policing team has been launched to serve Argyll and Bute.
Local commanders have said the new unit, which will have bases in Oban and Lochgilphead, will improve road safety in the region.
The unit will have two sergeants and 12 constables and will be commanded locally by the Divisional Road Policing Inspector Adam McKenzie.
Oban area commander Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie said: “Road safety has consistently been identified as one of the top priorities for all of our communities across the area.
“I want to prevent people losing their lives or being seriously injured whilst travelling on our roads and I also want to minimise the impact that any such road crash has on our local communities.
“Having our own dedicated road policing unit is a positive step towards achieving this.”
Inspector Adam McKenzie said: “I am proud to lead the road policing unit for Argyll and Bute.
“This dedicated team will have significant impact on improving road safety and keeping people safe. It will also mean when serious incidents do occur we can get specialist officers to the scene more quickly, provide care for victims, gather evidence
and reduce the impact that closed roads can have on rural communities.
“The unit will also be fully supported by trunk road patrol groups at Glasgow and Fort William.”