NEW safety camera vans to help reduce the number of casualties on the roads have been introduced in Ryedale.

The cameras are aimed at encouraging people to drive more safely and the equipment is also able to identify drivers using hand-held mobile phones and other common offences like failing to wear seatbelts.

Superintendent Alisdair Dey, the Neighbourhood Policing Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said: “Our new safety camera vans are now operating across the Scarborough and Ryedale districts and are fitted with sophisticated equipment which includes cameras covering the front, rear and sides.

“The primary function of the safety camera vans is to support casualty reduction on the roads by positively affecting driver behaviour to ensure that individuals drive more safely.”

Supt Dey added: “The equipment is also able to identify drivers using hand-held mobile phones and other common offences like failing to wear seatbelts.

“Crucially, when they are deployed into key locations, they also play a role in our intelligence gathering capability in relation to cross-border criminals as they are equipped with the very latest mobile ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology which allows us to actively track and target vehicles that are linked to criminal activity.

“All in all, the new safety camera vans are a great piece of kit that will definitely increase safety and security in our area.”

Anyone who has concerns about a vehicle should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101.