POLICE are stressing that they are not out to catch more drivers speeding when new front-facing cameras start operating at ten safety camera locations in Essex.

Safety camera locations in Chigwell and Ongar are to be among the first in Essex to see the front-facing cameras that will work in tandem with the existing cameras.

A speeding vehicle will activate both cameras, with the frontal picture used as additional evidence in cases where there are issues over broken or dirty rear number plates and where there are problems or disputes over driver identification.

Ten locations in Essex have been chosen for the new technology sites which have been picked to "reflect a good cross-section of different communities and geographical areas".

The cameras will be installed in Ongar High Street, Chigwell High Road and Lambourne Road, Chigwell, for a six-month trial starting in April. Work has already started on the installation work.

The camera in Southern Way, Harlow, is also among the ten locations.

Essex Police's casualty reduction officer Brian Ladd said driver identification had been an issue in some speeding cases nationally, and the new frontal picture would enable police to know without any doubt who the speeding driver was.

He said: "It's all about the fairness issue and additional evidence.

"Drivers have nothing to fear from any speed camera unless they're breaking the law. We're not out to catch people, we're out to change driver behaviour."