THOUSANDS of people have been caught out by new average speed cameras in the east of the county – and officials are considering installing more of the cameras elsewhere in Dorset.

The cameras were installed on n the A338 Spur Road on May 31 2019 to support the permanent 50mph speed limit.

Three are positioned on the southbound carriageway between the Blackwater Junction and Cooper Dean Roundabout and three mirroring these on the northbound carriageway. More than 230 people were caught every single day for a fortnight after they were first installed. However, the number of people snared decreases every week, officials say. In total, police have processed 6,523 offences.

The highest speed clocked was 99 miles per hour.

Brian Austin, operations manager for road safety at Dorset Police, said more locations are being considered for cameras.

“Average speed camera studies nationally by groups such as the RAC show the potential benefits of the cameras, with reductions in collisions and drivers adhering to the signed limits,” he said.

“This reduces the level of injuries if a collision occurs. Dorset has used average speed cameras before as temporary measures on the A338 where drivers, once they were aware of their placement, started driving within the signed limits and offences detected dropped away over three months.

“Currently the average speed camera at Blackwater is showing a continual decrease in offences detected week by week, and we expect that to continue. Therefore, the cameras will continue to reduce the potential for injury if collisions do occur.”

There is no word yet on where more of the cameras could be installed, if the green light is given.

However, Mr Austin said a review is currently being undertaken.

“Dorset Police, along with its partners at local authorities and Highways England, is reviewing the potential use of average speed cameras at other locations in Dorset,” he said.

Previously, Mr Austin said the highest percentage of speeding drivers are recorded travelling on the stretch between 6pm and 12pm.

Fines generated through the use of the cameras will go to central government or towards local road safety improvement schemes.