A NEW police cameras installed in Chester to catch people speeding or running red lights has already caught out motorists more than 1,000 times.

The roadside device now in use on the A41 on Long Lane at the Heath Road junction has caught drivers going at speeds of up to 50mph on the 30mph, Cheshire police reported.

The camera was installed following figures showing driving at an unsafe speed has been a contributory factor in nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of road deaths.

More than twice as many people (41) died on Cheshire's roads and motorways last year than they did in 2017, and this year there has already been several fatal collisions in the county.

Junctions represent particular dangers for motorists and pedestrians and Cheshire Road Safety Group (CRSG) hopes the new camera will lead to a reduction in the number of both fatal and non-fatal collisions in Cheshire.

Cheshire police reported on social media: "This section of road [Long Lane] has seen 49 collisions in the past five years that have resulted in somebody being injured.

"These cameras are not there to catch you out, they are there to reduce your speed and ultimately - keep you, and other road users safe."

Brian Rogers, CRSG implementation manager, said at the time the camera – one of several to be installed across the county – was made operational: "Far too many people have died and been seriously injured as a result of collisions on Cheshire roads in recent times.

"Cheshire Road Safety Group was set up in April 2011 to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the county's roads by encouraging greater compliance of speed limits through the operation and maintenance of speed and safety cameras.

"Supported by contributing partners Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the four local authorities in the county – Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, Halton Borough Council and Warrington Borough Council – CRSG is investing in new technologies and innovation to make our roads safer.

"Junctions in which vehicles and pedestrians come to a road from different directions are particularly dangerous and it is vital that motorists travel at an appropriate speed, one which enables them to stop safely should the colour of traffic lights change or a pedestrian step into the road.

"We hope that the new generation cameras will deter motorists from speeding and going through red lights at junctions and therefore reduce the number and severity of collisions."

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Road safety is one of my key priorities and I am committed to working with partners to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Cheshire roads and motorways.

"With an increased number of serious incidents and fatalities on our roads in recent times, these cameras are needed more than ever. Law abiding drivers often report to me their shock and frustration at the number of drivers who jump red lights and break the speed limit, selfishly gambling with other people's lives as well as their own. One death is too many and I hope that the new cameras will lead to more motorists adhering to the speed limits and driving responsibly, for their own safety and the safety of others."