Mobile speed cameras vans will be in operation at night

A high resolution digital camera is to be used in an effort to stem after-dark accidents, which experts say are caused by speeding vehicles.

Figures from Cumbria Police show that six people have died on the county's roads so far this year between the hours of 1am and 2am.

A spokesman for Cumbria Safety Cameras stressed the latest move was not being used to generate extra cash from fines.

The spokesman said: "We have found that a lot of people are killed or seriously injured outside of daylight hours.

"We would be irresponsible if we didn't tackle the problem and invest in new technology.

"The new camera we have will operate out of our existing vans as normal.

Reduce costs

"We don't make any money out of this at all and are only allowed to recoup the costs of our investment.

"Our key role is safety and trying to stop people killing themselves on our roads."

Cumbria's mobile speed cameras are operated by civilians as part of measures to reduce costs.

Cumbria Safety Cameras, which operate three mobile cameras, is the operating arm of the Cumbria Road Casualty Reduction Partnership that comprises Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Constabulary, the Highways Agency and Cumbria Magistrates Services.

The organisation monitors almost 50 so-called speeding hot spots across the county.

During 2004 a total of 30 people have died on Cumbria's roads, with 224 suffering serious injuries.