AVERAGE speed cameras are set to go live on a busy road on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route from next week.
Police Scotland’s north safety camera unit have announced they are reinstating average speed cameras on the A836, between Reay and Thurso, in the Highlands from Monday, May 5.
The force said the decision follows a “successful” two-month trial between September and October last year.
Speed cameras were deployed in a bid to improve road safety and reduce incidents of speeding on the road.
During the two-month period, the cameras detected zero offences as average speeds on the road decreased, Police Scotland said.
It was confirmed that the camera unit will now rerun the trial during this year’s peak visitor season in partnership with the Scottish Safety Camera Programme and Highland Council.
SNP Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said he hopes the reintroduction of the speed cameras will make the roads safer for all who use them.
“I am pleased average speed cameras will be reinstated on this busy route in peak season,” he said.
“Speed limits make the roads safer for all road users, including passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“I hope that the reintroduction of speed enforcement will remind drivers of the importance of speed compliance and road safety, especially on a route as popular as they travel on the beautiful North Coast 500.”
Following the introduction of the NC500 in 2015, Highland roads on the route have seen an increase in traffic during the peak tourism months between spring and autumn.
The cameras are expected to be in place until after the peak summer months.
Eric Dunion, North Safety Camera Unit manager, said deploying the cameras short-term allows them greater flexibility over which locations are used.
He said: “This location would not normally meet the criteria to become a permanent location.
“But the short-term deployment scheme gives us the flexibility to be at locations where we believe there will be a change in traffic behaviour.
“It is hoped this extension of last year’s trial will again result in speed limit compliance by all types of vehicles and help to meet our aim of making our roads safer for all users.”
