THE introduction of speed cameras has helped slash the number of deaths on the roads of Lancashire by acting as a deterrent to speeding motorists.

But police say drivers are getting wise. They claim motorists are slowing down as they go past cameras before speeding up again.

That's why they have introduced mobile traps.

Ian Bell, a former police chief inspector who now heads Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, said: "People are slowing down for the cameras and that is good news, but there are people who simply speed back up again, which is why we will be using mobile cameras further down the roads.

"There is no doubt that speeding is dangerous and costs lives.

"The cameras are there to make the roads safer."

In less than a year the number of speed cameras has massively increased from 69 to 230 across Lancashire.

And figures prove that they do work.

According to the road safety partnership, which was set up last November, the number of deaths between April and July 2001 and the same period this year fell from 24 to 16.

Overall injuries on the roads fell from 2,570 to 2,393 and compared to last year's figures, there have been eight fewer deaths.

Hopefully, they maintain, more cameras mean fewer accidents.

Linda Sanderson, communications manager for the partnership, said: "We have identified 74 sites in Lancashire where mobile speed cameras will be used near to existing cameras to catch people who speed up again quickly.

"This is being done in conjunction with the community to help tackle their concerns about speeding."