Mobile speed cameras aim to help cut rural road deaths

A TRIO of new mobile speed cameras are set to be deployed in the Lothians in a bid to stop motorists from going too fast on rural roads.

The cameras, which are set to "go live" on Monday, will be sited on rural roads in East Lothian which have been identified as speeding hotspots.

According to Road Safety Scotland, the worst accidents in the country happen on rural roads with three out of four road deaths occurring on them. The most common causes of these fatalities are loss of control and driving too fast for the conditions.

Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership deputy manager Julie Roy said: "Roads in rural areas have many hidden surprises - often the roads have bends that you can't see round, where you can encounter farm vehicles or livestock. If you are travelling at high speed, you won't have enough time to stop safely."

Councillor Barry Turner, East Lothian Council's transport spokesman, added: "Speed cameras have been shown to help curb excessive speeding which can lead to serious accidents.

"I am sure that these cameras will help ensure safer driving conditions across the county."