ALL fixed speed cameras in Somerset will be turned off in March after the Avon and Somerset Camera Partnership team was disbanded.

Seven cameras across Sedgemoor will be switched off on March 31 after Somerset County Council rejected an application from the police to take over the cost of running and replacing them.

There are currently speed cameras on the A39 at Bawdrip and Walton, the A38 at Cross, Pawlett and West Huntspill, the A370 at Brent Knoll, and the A361 at Othery.

However, Avon and Somerset Police will still use mobile speed cameras in areas of 'community concern'.

No decision has yet been made on whether red light runner cameras at traffic lights will be affected.

The news follows a decision by the police to disband the Safecam partnership that currently runs and maintains speed cameras throughout the county.

A police spokesman said: “The police have pledged to continue running - and may increase use of - mobile cameras, particularly on roads where there have been fatalities and injuries or at locations that are causing community concern.”

Somerset County Council said police had rejected another funding model which the council said would have kept speed cameras operating.

A council spokesman said: “We are deeply disappointed at the police decision. It remains our view that a self-funding operation is a workable alternative to switching off fixed cameras.”

Lawrie Lewis, chairman of the Safecam partnership, responded: “It is regrettable that the county council feel 'disappointed by the police decision' in this matter.”

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