AVERAGE speed cameras are saving lives on Canvey Way - says the man who helped get them - as we can reveal hundreds of motorists have been nabbed for speeding along the road.

Councillor Ray Howard, formerly responsible for highways in Essex, spoke out as our Freedom of Information request revealed 559 motorists have been snapped by the average speed cameras since they were first activated back in July 2013.

A £700,000 scheme was first introduced in April 2009 to reduce speeding on this once notorious south Essex road.

It began by reducing the speed limit to 50mph and then by installing cameras to catch motorists who chose to disobey the restriction.

The man who helped bring the campaign to fruition is proud at how effective they have been in reducing serious and fatal accidents.

Mr Howard said: “When we put up and installed the cameras there, to be quite blunt, there were so many accidents at the time along the road it often brought Canvey to a standstill. It really was terrible.

“What we have achieved is that the 50mph limit has deterred people from speeding.

“I do believe that the cameras had a huge effect.

“I do understand that there has been a number of accidents on that road since then, but overall I have noticed a reduction.

“I believe that these average speed cameras, in my view, have made it safer along Canvey Way.”

The cameras were first activated on July 2, 2013.

They remained active up until January 18, 2017 when they were switched off and turned around so that they could capture motorcyclists whose licence plates sat on the back of their vehicle.

The cameras were then reactivated on August 11.

This means they have been active for a total of four years and four months.

To put into perspective, this means an average of 130 motorists a year have been caught.

Considering the number of vehicles that use this everyday, it is relatively small.

To put into further perspective, this means less than 11 motorists a month have been captured by these cameras and only one roughly every three days.

The average speed cameras time vehicles on the distance they have travelled.

Unlike the usual speed cameras which measure a one-off speed, these cameras time a motorist between each installation.

If a motorist is caught speeding, they will be given a £100 fine and three points on their licence.

If the motorist is only marginally breaking the limit they could be offered a speed awareness course, costing £90.