LANCASHIRE has been given more than £2.8million to keep its existing network of speed cameras running.

The cash is part of almost £110million given to the 38 Safety Camera Partnerships for 12 month from April 1.

Nationwide, the money will see 233 new Gatso units installed and 30 decommissioned as well paying for maintaining existing cameras.

Lancashire's partnership is to receive £2,832,46 to maintain the existing network. None are to be decommissioned or added. Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said that 2006/7 would be the last year of the current national safety camera programme.

He added: "The spending of £109.3million by the partnerships across the country are expected to garner fixed penalty tickets worth around £120million and see some 300,000 speeding offences referred to speed awareness courses being rolled out nationally by the association of chief police officers from April 1, 2006."