SPEED cameras are now in operation along the 50mph stretch of the A449 in a bid to cut down on road deaths.

The cameras are in use on the road between Hartlebury and Ombersley to reduce speeds and improve safety.

It comes as three people have been killed on the 50mph section of the A449 with a further four people suffering serious injuries over the past three years, police say.

The new cameras have been funded by the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner Road Safety Fund and backed by West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council and speed technology firm Jenoptik.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan, West Mercia Police said: "The installation of these cameras is part of our efforts to improving safety on the A449 and the opportunity to use new technology to combat this is an exciting move for us. There are many families that unfortunately know far too well the devastating consequences that speeding and collisions can lead to.

"Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads is our priority and reducing the speed that people travel is a key part of this. Apart from the obvious consequences if you are involved in a collision, if prosecuted for speeding, the minimum penalty is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years."

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “Too many people die or are seriously injured on our roads. Road safety continues to be at the heart of my work as Commissioner with my focus being on tackling inappropriate speed and driver behaviour. Schemes such as this are a vital tool to ensure we reduce the life changing impact of poor driver behaviour on our roads.”