A THREE-month trial of speed cameras in Chorley has trapped 10,000 law-breaking motorists.

And the cameras, which were placed at local blackspots for the trial have now gone live.

The 10,000 drivers caught during the trial period will not be prosecuted this time, but if they had been, the fines would have topped a staggering £400,000.

The cameras went live on Monday to coincide with the launch of a National Kill Your Speed campaign.

Anybody snapped by the cameras will receive written notification through the post, and providing they plead guilty, they will be fined £40 and have three points added to their driving licence.

However, if the case is more serious or if the accused pleads not-guilty, the case will go to court.

The cameras are placed at strategic points on Chorley Road, Higher Wheelton, Preston Road at Whittle-le-Woods, Bengal Street in Chorley and on Wigan Road in Euxton.

Sgt Tonge, of Chorley Police said: "We hope to make drivers aware of the dangers of speeding, and the installation of the cameras will emphasise this.

"The fact that since July we have caught 10,000 people on the camera shows that people are ignoring the speed limits, even in the camera areas, which is very worrying.

"Anybody who disregards the speed limit will be fined and if they are caught excessively speeding, they may find themselves in court.

Insp Chris Gradwell, added: "I am in no doubt that speed kills, having dealt with many injuries over the years.

"Hopefully, the cameras will reduce the number of accidents and encourage drivers to be mindful of their responsibilities."

ZAnother drive to improve road safety has been described as "depressingly successful" by police.

The recent Operation Canberra discovered that 60% of vehicles had faults and 19 of the 104 checked were ordered off the road.

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