SCOTLAND'S first average speed camera system on an urban road is to go live from Monday.
The system, which was set up in May and has had a period of testing, is being switched on at Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh to improve safety on the route, reduce the number of injury collisions and encourage motorists to drive within the speed limit, police said.
In three years between 2013-15 there were six collisions where someone was injured along the stretch including three resulting in serious injury or fatality.
Speed surveys have also been carried out which indicate speed is a continuing concern with a high proportion of vehicles travelling above the speed limit.
Police Scotland said experience on the A77 and the A9 the shows significant road safety improvements after introducing average speed cameras, and they expect similar outcomes for the scheme on Old Dalkeith Road.
Inspector Vinnie Fisher said: "Having identified a high casualty rate on Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh and having ruled out other potential remedial measures, we considered all the tactical options available to combat the excessive speed on the road.
"Following on from the installation and a period of testing, the system will go live on Monday, September 4 and we are confident it will have a noticeable effect on driver behaviour and the speeds of vehicles on this stretch of road with a resultant reduction in casualties."
Lesley Macinnes, Edinburgh City Council transport convener, said: “Speeding has been a major issue on this stretch of Old Dalkeith Road in particular, with several collisions and sadly one fatal crash.
"We fully support Safety Cameras Scotland’s decision to install safety cameras here.
"We would remind all road users to watch their speed at all times wherever they’re travelling, to keep themselves and others safe.”
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