A north-east speed camera has been revealed as the most active in Scotland.

Figures have shown over the first five months of the year, the average speed cameras on the A90 between Stonehaven and Dundee snared 4,417 motorists – the equivalent of 29 per day.

Another camera on the A90, near Charleston, also featured in the top 10. The fines issued from the top 10 most active cameras nearly topped £1 million.

The new statistics have raised questions about what more can be done to deter drivers from breaking the law and make the region’s roads safer.

Rebecca Ashton, head of driver behaviour at campaign group I Am RoadSmart, has called for more officers to patrol the roads.

She said: “A lack of officers does not help when we are trying to deter people from speeding. If the police had more capacity and resources they would be able to have the visual impact they want but with budget cuts it can be difficult.

“Speed cameras are not the complete answer to a speeding problem. People need to understand the dangers of speeding, making education an important aspect of deterring motorists to speed, encouraging them to understand the dangers of speeding and the positive aspects of staying within the limit will also help.”

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Arron Duncan, manager of the North Safety Camera Unit, said: “While it remains disappointing that a significant number of motorists have failed to adhere to the speed limits in place for their respective vehicles, it is important to highlight that the figures quoted represent a very small minority of the road users overall on the routes. Speed limit compliance levels in excess of 99% are generally achieved.

“Those detected speeding to date are either not paying sufficient attention to the task of driving or have clearly made a conscious decision not to comply.”

Road Policing Sergeant Stuart Lawrence said: “It goes without saying that travelling at high speeds can have catastrophic consequences and is totally unacceptable. Driving at such speeds significantly reduces your ability to react to unexpected changes in road conditions and puts other road users at serious risk.”