This latest technology will now be used to combat speeding issues along the notorious Forty Foot Road at Chatteris.

Work to install average speed cameras - which were approved for the road last year - was delayed while the approval was awaited for the cameras.

Some work was started in November after the Home Office assured Cambridgeshire County Council the approvals were being looked at as a priority.

The council was keen for the approval to be granted as it wants to use this latest technology, as installation of the Spec3 cameras will be less intrusive and will minimise damage to the already unstable banks along the Forty Foot, which partly collapsed last year.

Investigations showed many of the accidents along the Forty Foot involved motorists driving at high speeds or carrying out dangerous manoeuvres. One driver was caught doing over 100mph along the 50mph road.

Average speed cameras have been used successfully to reduce speeds elsewhere in the country but this will be the first time they will be used on roads next to waterways.

Engineers completed the first phase of works earlier this year, which included localised widening of the embankment.

News of the approval means works can now be completed as quickly as practicable and handed over to the utility companies so they can finish their connections.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Mac McGuire, Cabinet Member for Highways and Access, said: "I am pleased that the Home Office have finally given approval for these much needed new generation cameras. This scheme is a UK first in terms of using average speed cameras to improve safety along waterside roads.

"We had contingency plans to use the old system but this would have been much harder to install due to the unstable nature of the riverside bank. Reducing the number of people killed or injured on our roads is a top priority for me and the Council and the suggestion of average speed cameras came from in-depth investigations and listening to ideas from residents.

"Parallel to this we have been running publicity and education campaigns designed to improve the way people drive along these roads. Many of the accidents along

"These roads are down to motorists carrying out dangerous manoeuvres, often at high speeds. Motorists need to do their bit and drive sensibly."