Average speed camera work begins on A75

Average speed cameras should be operational on the A75 by mid-August

Work has started to install temporary average speed cameras on a major route through south west Scotland.

They are being fitted on the A75 between Newton Stewart and Creetown and should be operational by the middle of August.

The cameras have previously been used along the A836 and A82.

Police said the remote and exposed nature of the road would allow new camera technology to be tested in "extreme and inclement" weather conditions.

Police Scotland already has numerous locations along the road between Gretna and Stranraer where it uses mobile detection units.

The temporary average speed cameras operate by making use of renewable energy using a combination of solar and bio-methanol sources.

They will be powered by off-grid sources which enables the technology to be used at locations which previously had been too isolated for fixed infrastructure.

Police said the use of the temporary average speed cameras would allow mobile units to be used in other locations.

It is expected the cameras should be up and running by the middle of August.

Alan Bowater, area manager for the west safety camera unit, said: "Temporary average speed cameras have proven to be an effective tool in improving road safety across Scotland.

"Their deployment on routes such as the A82 and the A836 has led to notable reduction in dangerous driving and injury collisions.

"These systems are a vital part of our strategy to address speeding and protect all road users - especially in areas where permanent infrastructure may not be in place."