POLICE bosses are considering joining a scheme which would allow them to keep the cash from speed camera fines.

Already eight police forces across the country are in the programme and four more, including neighbouring North Wales, are to join those allowed to reinvest revenue from fines, a system known as netting-off.

But Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman Jacqui Hanson says money raised from the scheme would only be used to maintain and operate cameras and what little money was left would be used to buy extra devices.

She said: 'We are looking at the plan and are aware it has been a success in other areas.

'All our cameras are high profile and clearly visible and are placed in areas where there is a history of collisions or where speed has proved to be a big problem.

'However, it is important to understand there is little or no profit to be made, and the money raised goes directly on maintenance and operating costs.'

She added: 'Motorists should also be aware cameras are not solely police operated but are used in partnership with the local highway authority, which owns the cameras.

'Their purpose is not to raise funds but to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads and communities where cameras are placed certainly appreciate them.'

Meanwhile, motorists in Chester may have seen a high-tech device being tested in Hoole this week. The US-made £15,000 speed alert trailer reminds the motorist of the speed limit and informs them of their actual speed.

A similar model proved successful in reducing speeds when it was used on the A540 Parkgate Road/Chester High Road.

Sergeant Chris Jones of the traffic enforcement unit said Cheshire Constabulary was the first force to use this type of device.

He said: 'The feedback received from the various divisions was extremely good. From what we have heard back from the public they were very supportive of the steps we have taken, once again, to enhance road safety.

'We can put it on a stretch of road where we have got problems and further down the road we can have radar and enforce the speed limit where people have taken no regard of the warnings.'

Sgt Jones said the police did not like having to penalise speeding motorists and would much rather educate people.

Digital cameras which can trap three motorists a second are to be introduced on the North West motorway network.

It follows the successful trial in roadwork areas of the M6 in Cheshire when more than 200 speeding drivers were snared over a six-week period. The Highways Agency intends to use the cameras to enforce temporary speed limits through roadworks on the region s motorways.

CHESHIRE police are again encouraging people to shop suspected drunk drivers.

Hot weather,outdoor parties and barbecues encourage prolonged periods of drinking in the summer months, with many people unaware of the amount of alcohol they have consumed.

The successful ROAD RATS (Ring and Tell Someone) phone line will again enable members of the public to give details to the police of those planning to get behind the wheel when they are over thelimit.

Research indicates there are particular groups of people who continue to flout the law.

One of these groups is that of hardened drink-drivers, in particular repeat offenders. These are the people Cheshire police are aiming their summer campaign at.

Chief Inspector Gordon Swindles said: 'This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any time of the year.

'If you are convicted of a drink drive offence you can face up to six months in prison, a fine of £5,000 and a 12 month ban from driving.

The ROAD RATS number is 0800 3581131