Average speed cameras will start working on one of Belfast's busiest roads from today.
Last year an average speed camera system was installed on the A24 Saintfield Road, but they have not yet been operational and will start on Tuesday, August 11.
The Average Speed Enforcement Camera System will be in place from Carryduff roundabout to the junction of Cairnshill Road and will be switched on at 7am.
The cameras have been put in place in an effort to reduce traffic collisions on the road.
From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, there have been 62 collisions on the section of road that the cameras will cover.
One person was killed, seven were seriously injured and 54 sustained injury.
During the same period the fixed speed camera on the Saintfield Road detected more than 13,000 incidents of speeding.
A four week trial period of the average speed cameras has taken place, with 450 drivers being spotted driving over the speed limit for the entire length of the route.
Assistant Chief Constable Sam Donaldson explained: “The installation of this new camera system is in response to concerns raised by the local community of this heavily populated area. The sole purpose of this technology is to improve road safety by encouraging motorists to slow down.
“Between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019, there have been 62 injury collisions on this section of road. One person was killed, seven people were seriously injured and 54 others injured in these collisions. During that same period, the nearby fixed speed camera system, has made over 13,000 detections for speeding.
“To address this ongoing road safety issue, a multi-agency approach was taken and explored a number of options to manage traffic flow, including a number of engineering and enforcement possibilities.
“Surveys carried out by the Department For Infrastructure to monitor traffic flow, volume and speed, indicated that this particular section of the road would benefit from the installation of an Average Speed Camera System, replacing the fixed speed camera, which was approaching the end of its serviceable operation.
“During trials of the system run over a four-week period, in over 450 occasions motorists were observed travelling in excess of the speed limit for the entire length of the route.
“Inappropriate speed for the road conditions kills. We hope the installation of this new system will have a positive influence on driver behaviour. Drivers must take responsibility and stop this dangerous behaviour. If not, they will be detected and can expect to be held accountable."
