POLICE have immediately responded to public concern about drivers speeding near schools by deploying officers at a number of reported hotspots.

Traffic teams were in place ready to trap lawbreaking motorists outside St Ninian's Primary at Gourock's Kirn Drive and also on the town's Cloch Road.

Area commander, Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly, vowed that speed gun patrols will be maintained at various locations throughout Inverclyde.

The district's top officer said today: "As a direct response to concerns from the public, officers were despatched to Kirn Drive and Cloch Road.

"We will continue to respond to community concern and use various methods at our disposal to influence driver behaviour."

A man charged with driving at 'grossly' excessive speed near Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock appeared in court on Tuesday.

Mohammed Khawaja, 30, is said to have been clocked at 63mph on Newton Street and he is due back in the dock on the matter later this month.

Ch Insp Reilly said of the latest operations: "Whilst no-one was charged with an offence on this occasion, a number of drivers were given road safety advice in respect of their speed.

"It is important for people to understand that 30mph is not a target, it's a limit.

"Given road conditions, and also certain times of the day, 30mph may not be appropriate."

A nationwide vulnerable road users campaign was launched earlier this month, focusing on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horseback riders.

Police say that pedestrians known as smart phone 'smombies', because they are often engrossed in their devices, are at particular risk.

Vulnerable road users account for 29 per cent of all people killed in traffic incidents.