A NEW average speed camera system is under testing in Polnessan.

The system, which has been set up on the A713, is hoped to improve safety, reduce the number of injury collisions and encourage motorists to drive within the speed limit of 40mph.

Following a national site selection exercise, an average speed camera system has been agreed as the most effective and appropriate intervention. Between 2012 and 2014, there were eight injury collisions on this stretch of road, including two resulting in serious injury or fatality.

After the “significant improvements” of the average speed cameras delivered on the A77 and the A9, it is expected to have similar outcomes for the scheme at Polnessan.

Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Older People and Community Safety said: “With eight injury collisions in just three years, it was essential that action was taken to improve road safety on this route. A review of the route, including speed surveys, showed that a high number of vehicles were travelling above the speed limit.

“The most appropriate way to tackle speeding motorists is introducing average speed cameras. They are proven to significantly reduce speeding which in turn will make the route much safer.”