Police road checks to catch motorists ignoring Edinburgh's new 20mph limit have been called off - just a week after the limit was introduced.

Officers handed out just two fines and 36 formal warnings during the first week the new limit was introduced in the city centre and rural west Edinburgh on July 31.

But they have since confirmed that no further checks were made after that, saying they face "competing demands" for their attention.

Read more: Cars on ferries increase as holidaymakers steer clear of airports

A spokesman added the number of fines and warnings issued remained unchanged.

The two fines of £100 each were handed out on August 5 during road checks in the Pleasance, while 24 warning notices were issued in the same location up until August 6.

In this time 12 notices were handed out in Lauriston Place.

Police could not comment on when they would be carrying out checks again.

Conservative City Centre councillor Joanna Mowat said that if the new limit was going to succeed in cutting speed, it had to be enforced.

Read more: Cars on ferries increase as holidaymakers steer clear of airports

She said: "People have to think 'I'm going to be caught by the police'.

"If you introduce something and say it is going to make everything safer but there is no enforcement, you have to ask if this is an efficient use of public money."

Police bosses said they were "committed" to making Edinburgh's roads safer, and they would not hesitate to pursue any motorist found to be breaking the rules.

Chief Inspector Mark Rennie, local area commander for South East Edinburgh, said: "We routinely carry out speed checks across the city and will take appropriate action towards anyone found to be driving in a reckless or dangerous manner.

Read more: Cars on ferries increase as holidaymakers steer clear of airports

"Edinburgh has a number of competing demands throughout the year, particularly during the Festival season, meaning officers must carry out road safety checks on a priority basis.

"I'm hopeful the public are now fully aware of the new 20mph zones and altering their driving behaviour accordingly."

And he said schools were being given appropriate attention, after pupils returned to classes last week.

"We are committed to making our local roads network safer places to travel and this includes promoting safe and responsible driving.