`AVERAGE speed' cameras will become operational on one of Northern Ireland's busiest roads after a delay of more than 16 months over "unforeseen land access rights" for electrical supplies.
The Speed Enforcement Camera System (Specs) was installed before April 2019 on Saintfield Road but will only begin working today.
The main route between Belfast and south Down has been the scene of a high number of serious crashes and there have long been calls for traffic calming measures to be brought in.
The road includes a sharp bend, with cars and lorries often travelling at speeds higher than the 50mph limit.
Until now it has had a fixed speed camera, located at a section with a slower 40mph limit and only covering one side of the carriageway.
Elected representatives have expressed concern about increasing traffic in the area, where around 1,000 new homes were recently being built.
The new cameras are mounted on over-hanging poles in pairs and measure the average speed of vehicles between two points, preventing drivers merely slowing down briefly before speeding up again.
Specs already operates on the A2 between Bangor and Holywood and Saintfield Road was identified as suitable "in response to the KSI (killed or seriously injured) collision history and significant public concerns about vehicle speeds".
A PSNI spokeswoman said the aims is to have a "positive influence on driver behaviour".
"The project was delayed due to unforeseen land access rights for the electricity supply and resolving this issue," she said.
"Motorists who abide by the speed limit will see no difference. Those who do exceed the speed limit can expect a fixed penalty notice through the post.
"Again, our message is very clear; inappropriate speed for the road conditions kills.
"We hope the installation of this new system will have a positive influence on driver behaviour. Drivers must take responsibility and stop this dangerous behaviour. If not, they will be detected and can expect to be held accountable."
