A CLAMPDOWN on the use of speed cameras has been ordered by the government.

In response to concerns from motoring organisations about the over-zealous enforcement of speed limits, the government has produced a new rulebook.

It details where speed cameras can be placed and where they can't.

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership yesterday confirmed it will be studying the new rules early in 2005 to ensure its cameras are legal.

Transport secretary Alistair Darling unveiled the tighter regulations this week, which include a rule that yellow box cameras can only be installed after four accidents involving death or serious injury on a 1.5km stretch of road within a three-year period.

Police mobile speed traps can only be undertaken on stretches of road where there have been at least two serious or fatal accidents within a 5km stretch.

It is estimated that speed cameras generate £80m in fines each year around the country. An audit by the Department of Transport during the summer found speeding had fallen by 71 per cent at camera sites saving 100 lives a year.

Andrew Tapscott, on behalf of the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, said: "I can confirm that the entire operation of safety cameras throughout Dorset meets the current criteria set down by the Department for Transport.

"Next year, all safety camera sites operated by the partnership will be reviewed for compliance in line with the latest criteria contained in the handbook of rules for 2005/06."

The partnership operates 45 fixed safety camera sites in Dorset.

The new regulations will mean mobile police checks are only allowed within 5km miles of serious accident blackspots.

Police radar speed checks must be clearly marked and covert enforcement will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances where there is illegal high speed racing.

Chief Insp Rick Dowell, head of Dorset Police's road policing unit, said: "Dorset Police will conform with any new regulations that are introduced in the interest of road safety."

First published: November 6