Police have provided an update on longstanding concerns about speeding on the A78.

We reported last year that fears had been raised by local drivers about boy racers in the area, especially when leaving Largs near Hollywood.

Police revealed that they have been working closely with local businesses on the A760 in relation to speeding concerns too.

We reported last summer how residents in Greenock Road and Hollywood were calling for average speed cameras to be installed, but police provided assurances at a recent meeting that they were monitoring the situation.

Chief Inspector Stuart Duggans updated councillors at the North Coast and Locality Partnership meeting last month regarding the ongoing work involved in attempting to deter speeders.

He answered questions on the enforcement of 40mph limit on the A78 Largs to Skelmorlie road. 

This has been carried out by unmarked vehicles and aims to influence driver behaviour for a period of time.

A number of businesses on the Haylie Brae are working alongside Police Scotland in relation to this issue.

CI Duggans also spoke to councillors about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to defraud.

He described it as "massive" and Police Scotland's cyber crime unit has been growing to help assist with the rising number of crimes.

AI is the latest technology being used by criminals, who can use it to forge passports and ID documents, or create 'deep fakes' of real people to overcome security protection.

Police have also been investigating the issue of littering disposable vapes and its implications for public health.

CI Duggans told the meeting that police have been working closely with Trading Standards regarding the sale of fake vapes.

The law in Scotland makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to buy e-cigarettes or vapes, also known as tobacco and nicotine vapour products.

Speaking to the News, Councillor Tom Marshall said: "It is very gratifying to hear that the police are out monitoring the A78. I noted just last week that two police officers were out in uniform using radar devices to catch speeders.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

"I also think that Amey's trial introduction of the 40mph limit has been a good idea on the shore road between Largs and Skelmorlie and don't think it unnecessarily detains drivers. 

"I look forward to seeing what other safety initiatives are being introduced by Amey, who have also brought dragon's teeth to the entrance to Largs and Skelmorlie and I would like to see much more done including the widening of the road.

"The AI fraud is a concern and it is good to know that the police are giving that the full focus which it deserves.

"As for the vapes issue, when I was on the licensing board we did test purchases where we'd send under 18s into licensed premises to check that they weren't selling alcohol to minors, and I'd hope that they are doing this for vapes, and if they are not doing it, I hope they'd introduce it.

"We've got to a stage where far too many shops are selling vapes and they are becoming too accessible and attractive to younger people."