SPEED cameras have been popping up across the North East's roads in recent months as work is underway to make upgrades.

Large stretches of the A1(M) have seen their speed limits reduced with average speed cameras installed.

Cameras of all shapes and sizes are attached to the end of long yellow poles and remain in constant use, enforcing reductions in speed limits.

Read more: Speed cameras go up between Durham, Aycliffe and Darlington on the A1(M)

But a different type of speed camera is currently being used on the A1(M) near Darlington - and some might think, they are not being used.

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONTRIBUTORPicture: CONTRIBUTOR

That is because they appear to be pointed away from the oncoming traffic, something that is not seen further up the road near Gateshead.

However, National Highways has clarified to drivers that they are in fact fully operational and have explained why they look different.

Read more: Fixed speed cameras turned off in Durham and North Yorkshire

Ted Chamberlain, National Highways Project Manager, said: “Safety camera designs vary between different manufacturers.

"We only use sector-approved types of camera and advise road users that the ones in these works are in operation, supporting the 50 mph speed limit currently in place for their safety as well as that of our workforce.

"The cameras face in opposite directions over the same carriageway to cover both lanes when the carriageway is in contraflow at night.”

The section of road between Junction 59 and 61 is currently restricted to 50mph and has average speed cameras in operation in both directions.

They are in place as National Highways are renewing the safety barriers that separate both carriageways.

Mr Chamberlain added: “We are pleased to report our work to renew the safety barriers on the A1 between junctions 59 and 61 is progressing well and on track to be complete by the end of this month.

It comes as drivers were last year warned to expect disruption as work on the replacement barriers are expected to take place over a series of months.

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