SAFETY concerns have been raised after speed cameras were switched off at a host of sites across the Borders.

Police Scotland said the move was the result of “improved driver behaviour, speed limit compliance and a reduction in injury collisions”.

Borders MP John Lamont said a “huge” number of people had been in touch to voice fears over the safety of roads in the region.

The Conservative representative for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk met with Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher last week.

Mr Lamont said: “A huge number of local people are very concerned about road safety, particularly now that many speed cameras are no longer operational.

“Our roads do not appear to be much safer than they were previously, but that is the official justification being provided by Police Scotland for this decision.

“Some recent road incidents have worried local residents.

“While there is no direct link between any accident and the speed cameras being switched off, our roads also do not seem to be noticeably safer than before.”

Police Scotland said the speed cameras decision allowed resources to be allocated to other sites in greater need.

It added that driver behaviour in the Borders would continue to be assessed across a three-year period.

Michael Grant, east safety camera unit manager, said: “As part of our site review process, it was decided that live operation at certain sites in the Scottish Borders would be paused due to improved driver behaviour, speed limit compliance and a reduction in injury collisions.

“This means that these resources can be located at other sites where there is greater need and potential to reduce collisions.

“Over a three-year period, we will undertake a thorough assessment of the impact of pausing live operation at these sites. Driver behaviour will be continually assessed during this period. This will inform whether these sites will be reactivated, or steps should be taken to remove all camera technology.”

Speed cameras which have been made dormant this year in the Borders:

A68 – Birkenside; Blackburn; Earlston; Headshaw; Hiltonshill; Jedburgh; Longnewton; Newtown; Thirlstane; Whitslaid; Cranston; Soutra Farm

A7 – Crookston/B6368 junction

A697 – Cleekhimin Bridge; Crawlee; Hatchednize; Ink Bottle Lodge; Rumbletonrig; West Clock Lodge; Westmains

A698 – Ashybank; Eckford Road End, Crailing

A703 – Leadburn Moor

A1 – Cockburnspath; East Reston; Heugh Head Farm; Lamberton North; Penmanshiel; Redhall