MILITARY police will target rogue drivers in a crackdown on speeding sailors in and around the Clyde nuclear submarine base.

Ministry of Defence officers who guard Britain's fleet of attack submarines at Faslane and its neighbouring munitions store at Coulport have been ordered to help catch navy personnel who flout road laws.

The crackdown will begin at the end of the month but already MoD cops have started warning offenders about fast driving.

And the long arm of the law will extend beyond the base. MoD police carry out security sweeps regularly within an eight-mile radius of Faslane.

The purge has been triggered by locals who are fed-up with the bad-driving habits of submarine crews and other workers. There have been complaints about speeding, driving while using a mobile phone and without wearing a seat belt.

It got so bad that civilian cops asked their MoD colleagues - there are more than 200 at Faslane - for help.

A Royal Navy Spokeswoman said that if MoD officers are on mobile patrol are overtaken by a speeding car they will "give chase," stop the motorist and issue a fixed penalty notice.

Chief Inspector Jim Gillen of the MoD Police said mobile phone use by those at the wheel and "dangerous manoeuvers" would also not be tolerated.

He added: "We have a duty of care to the public, our security officers and to base staff.

"Our campaign is backed by both Strathclyde Police and the procurator fiscal.

"MoD police officers have the authority to act on behalf of Strathclyde Police so, if you flout the laws, you can expect to be prosecuted."

MoD cops will target persistent offenders. Personnel and contractors who commit a minor offence and are a first offender are likely to escape with a verbal warning.

Inspector Gavin Bone who is based nearby at Helensburgh Police Station said: "I welcome their assistance in maximising road safety.

"This is a very good example of agencies working in partnership for the well-being and safety of our communities and the travelling public."