SPEEDING drivers could be caught out with the introduction of new cameras on the M90.

Motorists have been advised that a new system will be put in place to crack down on those flaunting the rules.

The changes are hoped to encourage road users to drive responsibly on the 22km stretch between Halbeath and Newbridge where a variable speed limit is in place.

Chief Inspector Mark Patterson, Police Scotland Road Policing, said: "Police Scotland is pleased to work in partnership with Transport Scotland to regulate the flow of traffic approaching and crossing the Forth.

"Key outcomes of Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 are for drivers to know and comply with road rules and drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions.

"HADECS cameras will enforce the variable speed limit to encourage compliance, improve driver behaviour and should be a reminder to drivers of the importance of complying with the mandatory variable speed limit at all times."

More than 200,000 use the motorway each week, with almost 1 in 5 of those driving over the speed limit, and a "persistent number" speeding excessively.

According to Transport Scotland, this leads to stop-start conditions which can add up to five minutes to trips during busy periods.

The HADECS (Highway Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System) will be live on the section of road from May 23.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: "is camera system on a key section of the M90 is designed to help improve journey times for drivers.

"The evidence shows that some drivers are regularly speeding between Halbeath and Newbridge - this is leading to stop start conditions, which is affecting journey times and delaying travel over the bridge.

"We know from experience with camera systems successfully deployed elsewhere on our road network, that they encourage improved driver behaviour, which leads to enhanced levels of speed limit compliance.

"By encouraging more road users to comply with the variable speed limit on this stretch of road we expect to see smoother traffic flows during busy periods. This system will not completely solve congestion at peak times, but is expected to make journey times more predictable and reliable.

"A comprehensive campaign is now underway to raise awareness of this change ahead of the camera system becoming operational on Monday 23rd May so that everyone using the route will know what to expect."

A HADECS is a six-camera spot speed system which detects the national speed limit and a variable speed limit and will be operated by Police Scotland's East safety camera unit.