Drivers have been warned of a new speed camera system which will be in force on a busy Scots motorway later this month.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that a HADECS camera system will be in operation on a 22km stretch between the M90 in Halbeath, Fife and the M9 north of Newbridge, Edinburgh.
The cameras will help to enforce variable mandatory speed limits in an effort to smooth traffic flows during busy times and make journey times more reliable.
Transport Scotland estimates that one in five of the 200,000 drivers that use the road each week are speeding - with a persistent number of vehicles doing so ‘excessively’.
It is claimed that this has led to stop-start conditions, resulting in ‘unreliable journey times’ during busy spells.
The new camera system will be deployed in this area from Monday, May 23.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This camera system on a key section of the M90 is designed to help improve journey times for drivers.
“The evidence shows that some drivers are regularly speeding between Halbeath and Newbridge - this is leading to stop start conditions, which is affecting journey times and delaying travel over the bridge.
“We know from experience with camera systems successfully deployed elsewhere on our road network, that they encourage improved driver behaviour, which leads to enhanced levels of speed limit compliance.
“By encouraging more road users to comply with the variable speed limit on this stretch of road we expect to see smoother traffic flows during busy periods. This system will not completely solve congestion at peak times, but is expected to make journey times more predictable and reliable.
“A comprehensive campaign is now underway to raise awareness of this change ahead of the camera system becoming operational on Monday, May 23 so that everyone using the route will know what to expect.”
Police Scotland said that it is working alongside the Scottish Government to assist in regulating the flow of traffic.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson added: “Key outcomes of Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 are for drivers to know and comply with road rules and drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions.
“HADECS cameras will enforce the variable speed limit to encourage compliance, improve driver behaviour and should be a reminder to drivers of the importance of complying with the mandatory variable speed limit at all times”.
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