New threat to speed cameras in staff crisis

Plans to expand London's speed camera scheme are under threat because of a staffing crisis.

Speed trap bosses had aimed to erect up to 180 new cameras at blackspots. They claimed this would stop more than 40 deaths and serious injuries in the capital each year.

They also planned to lower "trigger" speeds at which cameras flash. But an unexpected Government ban on Safety Camera Partnerships taking on staff - London was to employ 30 new officials - is said to have left the plans in tatters.

Campaigners also say proposals to cut speeding fines from £60 to £40 threaten the London Safety Camera Partnership's financial viability.

Jenny Jones, London Assembly Green Party member, said the staff embargo "seriously undermined" the partnership. She said: "The Government might generate good headlines by going soft on speeding but these plans mean dozens of Londoners will be dead or seriously injured at the end of this year."