Speeders warned of new camera system

THOUSANDS of motorists on the M90 face will shortly face speeding fines and points on their licence for failing to obey temporary limits.

Transport officials are turning on a speed camera system to enforce variable limits approaching the Queensferry Crossing from Monday May 23.

They will target the 22km of motorway between M90 at Halbeath and the M9 north of Newbridge.

Roads managers change the speed limit temporarily to manage traffic flow across the bridge.

They use digital signs hanging from overhead gantries to make drivers aware of the expected speed limit at that moment in time

But transport bosses say around one in five drivers are ignoring the limits, with as many as 4,000 drivers “speeding excessively” in any given week.

They say this is creating “stop start conditions”. Speeding motorists also delay journey times over the bridge by as many as five minutes during some busy periods.

Those drivers will now face minimum fines of £100 and three points on their licence if caught by the camera system.

Transport officials have launched an extensive marketing campaign informing drivers of the change.

The Highway Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System (HADECS) camera system uses six spot speed cameras.

Cameras are located at: Halbeath (Southbound), Inverkeithing (Southbound), Queensferry (Northbound), Queensferry (Southbound), Kirkliston (Southbound) and Kirkliston (Northbound).

Officials have been testing the system since its initial installation.

Police Scotland’s East Safety Camera Unit will operate the system. Chief Inspector Mark Patterson said the cameras should “be a reminder to drivers of the importance of complying with the mandatory variable speed limit at all times”.