Motorists in Warwickshire are driving too fast and they now face hefty fines or points on their licence.

Speed enforcement is being introduced,  the project was launched today at an accident black spot near Rugby.

Mobile ‘invisible’ speed cameras will be operating around the county and drivers who break the speed limit may receive a court summons.

Police and road safety officers from Warwickshire County Council say that tough action is needed to cut accident rates in the county.

Most accidents don’t happen on motorways or dual carriageways. The majority occur in built up areas or on rural roads. Tow thirds of all accidents in which people are killed or injured happen on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.

The mobile video system can be used any time, anywhere in the county, either from a police car or from the roadside. It will be used most frequently on accident black-spot routes where slowing down vehicles is a top priority.

Signs will be displayed warning motorists that they are entering a speed camera zone, but if they do break the limit they will be caught on camera and face prosecution.

The enforcement project will be launched on 22 January on the B4112, Newbold Road, Rugby, where parents have been campaigning and lobbying for new measures to slow-down cars.

Eight year old Shane Green was seriously injured when he was hit as he was crossing the road. Two other school children have been less seriously hurt in accidents on the same stretch of road.

Superintendant Jon Bond, head of Warwickshire Police traffic department said the honey moon period of warnings and advice to drivers was over.

Supt Bond said:

"We are targeting speeding motorists because excessive speed is one of the county’s biggest killers.

"Most people know that excessive speed can result in tragedy but few people translate that knowledge into changing the way they drive.

"Hopefully, the threat of a fine and licence points will have the desired effect."

Warwickshire County Council’s Traffic group paid £150,000 towards the mobile speed camera equipment with £40,000 from the Highways Agency.

Councillor Mrs June Tandy, Chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Environmental Strategy Committee said:

"The County Council is committed to reducing accidents in Warwickshire and we are working in partnership with the police to achieve this.

"Our figures show that although speed camera signs have been effective in encouraging some drivers to slow down, speeding is still a problem.

"This initiative aims to reduce accidents and improve road safety for all, including pedestrians and cyclists."