The ProLaser III can record a driver's speed from a mile away

The ProLaser III is the latest state-of-the-art technology being used to cut the number of people killed or injured on the county's roads.

Dorset Safety Camera Partnership (DSCP) chiefs hope the laser camera will encourage people to kill their speed.

The ProLaser III is due to be introduced between June and July.

'Reduce casualties'

The new hand-held device can record a vehicle's speed from a distance of up to 2000 metres.

The old radar speed guns had a range between 500 and 800 metres.

Johnny Stephens, project manager for the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, said: "The ProLaser III is one of the most technically-advanced pieces of safety camera equipment on the market.

"Our overriding priority is to reduce the number of casualties on Dorset's roads.

"We know that some members of the public race towards cameras and then brake hard as they pass and speed up again after the cameras.

"This new technology will assist the partnership in stopping this very dangerous practice.

"If drivers continue to persist in speeding, it could even result in them losing their driving licences - and all because they could not take their foot off that right pedal."