THE first average speed cameras have been installed on the A127, to catch out drivers who break the limit.

A large, T-shaped, yellow post, with several cameras on top, has been set up in the middle of the dual carriageway near the Rayleigh Weir because of concerns about the number of accidents on that stretch of road.

There will be another post installed at the junction with the A132, near Wickford.

They will measure the time a car takes to cover the distance between the two points and will start working from January 2009.

Michael Page, a spokesman for Essex County Council, said: “The introduction of average speed cameras on the A127 is a very positive move.

“It will help to reduce the number of accidents and alleviate congestion during peak times.”

The cameras are the first step in a project to reduce accidents on the road.

The next step will see a 50mph speed limit introduced.