THE FIRST section of a new average speed camera scheme will go live from Friday on the A675 at Belmont, it has been confirmed.

Following the successful installation and configuration on the northern part of the route, from the M65 junction 3 to the north of Belmont Village, the cameras will now be enforced.

The short remainder of the route, from the north of Belmont Village, through Belmont to Scout Road, will be finished this summer with a go live date yet to be set.

It is the second of eight routes across the county to be enforced, while installation is on-going or yet to begin on the remaining roads throughout Lancashire.

Others routes in East Lancashire are the A682 Gisburn Road, between the A59 at Gisburn and Whittycroft Avenue, Higherford, and the B6232 Grane Road, between the A56 and the Elton Road junction with Sough Lane.

The Lancashire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) gave the go ahead for the scheme last year and in January announced the chosen routes in a bid to reduce road casualties and collisions.

A spokesman said: "The Partnership decided to adopt the system using average speed cameras as safety and motorist compliance has consistently improved on a variety of road types using the system in other parts of the UK.

"The cameras will use number plate recognition technology to detect vehicles and calculate their average speed by measuring the time taken to travel between fixed points of a known distance apart. Average speed check signage will be used to inform drivers that they are entering an average speed control zone.

"The introduction of the system is intended to positively influence driver behaviour and ensure that motorists comply with the set limits on roads, resulting in a safer environment for all road users."

There will be sanctions for anyone detected breaching the speed limits, although where eligible they will be given the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course to learn about the dangers of speeding.

Other penalties include accepting a conditional offer of a fixed penalty, currently £100 and three penalty points, or for higher speeds the matter may be referred to court.

More information about the average speed cameras can be found on the constabulary website: www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-safety/average-speed-cameras/

For more information from the Partnership you can visit: www.safe2travel.co.uk/speed