MOBILE speed cameras were launched across London this week as the latest weapon against speeding motorists.

Clearly marked vans housing the camera equipment will be left at accident spots to catch people driving too fast. Despite controversy last week over use of camera vans in Avon, where police were branded hypocrites after parking them on double yellow lines and in cycle lanes, they have been adopted by the London Safety Camera Partnership.

Deputy Mayor of London Jenny Jones said: "Too many children are killed or seriously hurt by speeding traffic. These mobile enforcement vans will play an important role in slowing drivers down.

"The toll of death and serious injury on London's roads is the highest in the country (18 per cent of the UK total) and it is vital that we act to change driver behaviour and reduce the number of road crashes. We are confident that mobile enforcement will bring positive change to the speeding culture and reduce casualties."

Head of the London Road Safety Division, Transport for London Street Management, Chris Lines said: "We are delighted to launch the mobile speed camera strategy across the Capital and see it as a vital part of Road Safety for London. TfL is pleased to be working with its other partners in the LSCP to reduce the carnage on London's roads.

"Last year 280 people died in road collisions in London, and a further 5,370 were seriously injured.

“We must reduce these tragic figures and there is no doubt that safety cameras are playing an important role. This new mobile camera strategy allows flexible targeting of our resources for maximum effect."

There are five vans, all bright yellow and blue. Details of the van's locations will be given to local radio stations for travel bulletins.