MOTORISTS beware. WA's first fixed freeway speed camera is now in operation on the Mitchell Freeway and there are more on the way.

The camera is in place on northbound lanes near the Karrinyup Road exit complete with warning signs on the freeway and on ramps prior to the camera site.

The Sunday Times first revealed plans for the fixed speed camera back in November.

Police and Road Safety Minster Rob Johnson said today the site had been chosen because there have been four fatal and two critical injury speed-related crashes in the area between 2006 and 2010.

“It is recognised nationally and worldwide that the use of fixed cameras, combined with mobile and red light speed cameras, is one of the most effective ways of reducing the level of speed-related crashes,” Mr Johnson said.

As part of a 12-year, $30 million road safety strategy by the State Government another six fixed speed cameras will be rolled out in the future.

Mr Johnson said motorists who flouted to the new fixed cameras would be financially contributing to the Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA), which currently receives two-thirds of all revenue raised from speed and red light camera infringements.

From July next year the RTTA will receive 100 per cent of all camera revenue.

So far this year 171 people have died on WA roads while a further 224 have received critical injuries.