Millions of pounds are being spent on more than doubling the number of speed cameras in Essex in the biggest fight ever against drivers who break speed limits and jump red traffic lights.

Rosemary Welch, county council road safety manager, said: "The intention is to reduce accidents."

She said there would also be random use of mobile cameras by police.

The government has chosen the county as a pilot area which will see fixed site cameras increased from 44 to more than 100 and mobile ones from 24 to 78.

Part of the revenue from the £40 fixed penalty charge may be used to buy more cameras.

The two-year Essex trial began at the weekend. Research has shown camera use can slow drivers by 4mph and result in a 28 per cent accident reduction.

Latest government targets for Essex include a 40 per cent reduction in serious and fatal accidents in the next 10 years and 50 per cent fewer child accidents.

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