Police are to deploy mobile speed cameras in Barnet this month in an effort to cut the risk of accidents.

North-west traffic officers refused to say where exactly the cameras would be deployed but admit they are currently using mobile and static laser speed detection cameras in areas known for high-speed collisions.

Chief Inspector Ian Brooks said: "Our experience is that speed is a significant factor in the frequency and severity of collisions. National research has found that speed is the underlying cause in a third of all road deaths.

"I would prefer not to catch anyone but in reality, many will not heed our warning to drive safely and instead will risk receiving penalty points on their licence, fines, losing their licence or even causing injury or death."

Other boroughs being targeted include Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon.

Key facts:

- Excessive speed is a factor in more than one-third of fatal road crashes

- A child is 50 times more likely to be killed by a motor vehicle than by a stranger

- Hit by a car at 35mph, a person is twice as likely to be killed as someone hit at 30mph

June 11, 2002 18:30