New average speed cameras have been activated in Birmingham and Solihul councils of the UK in an effort to cut down the number of road accidents.

West Midlands Police, and Birmingham and Solihull councils have opted for average speed cameras as in comparison to mobile or fixed-point cameras they increase compliance with speed limits, reported Transport-network.co.uk.

West Midlands Police Superintendent Kerry Blakeman was quoted by the website as saying: ‘Our intention is for people to adhere to the speed limit.

"We hope that the presence of these highly visible cameras will ensure that road users comply with the set limits on roads in Birmingham and Solihull."

"Those who exceed the limit will have to attend a speed awareness course where they will be educated about the dangers of speeding or face either an appearance at court or a fine and points on their licence.

"We hope that the presence of these highly visible cameras will ensure that road users comply with the set limits on roads in Birmingham and Solihull."

In a span of four years,  from 2010 and 2014, 2,356 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads in Birmingham and Solihull councils.

The new system tracks drivers using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

The cameras will be operational across Birmingham and Solihull for a period of five years.

The partners will initially evaluate the effectiveness of the cameras, equipment and the total system for 21 months.