SOME speed cameras across Somerset are in the process of being switched on – but the majority in North Somerset will remain inactive.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary began reactivating 29 cameras in its force area from yesterday (Wednesday) although one camera, in New Bristol Road in Worle, has been operational since November.

Now cameras in Bridgwater Road in Cross and Bristol Road in Rooksbridge have been switched back on too.

Police say the county’s 52 cameras add value to road safety, a view which led the constabulary to buy six cameras from Somerset County Council for £1 each.

However, last year, North Somerset Council chiefs decided against reviving the district’s cameras because there had been no increase in accidents.

Authority leaders refused a similar £1-a-camera police offer, and retain ownership of the reactivated New Bristol Road camera.

Police road safety Superintendent Richard Corrigan said: “Our message is loud and clear – drivers should assume that all roadside fixed cameras are now operational and to drive accordingly.

“Drivers who choose to exceed the speed limit can expect to be caught and prosecuted.

“The ongoing work we have undertaken with our partners to reinstate static speed cameras in the force area is based on national research showing that cameras add value to road safety.

“Twenty seven per cent of priority issues raised with the police relate to speeding vehicles in our communities.

“Also, there was camera infrastructure worth more than £2million lying dormant on the roadsides in the force area.

“We believe that the static cameras can be operated in a cost-neutral way and that reactivating them for use alongside our mobile camera vans will help in making our roads safer.”

The cameras were deactivated in 2011 when funding was withdrawn.