News

Millions aiming to cross the Channel on a ferry or via the tunnel will be confronted by the cameras on 19 fixed gantries above a six-mile stretch of the M20.

They are part of a £16.5million scheme to enforce variable speed limits on what is the main route to the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and to the Dover ferry crossings.

The Highways Agency said the cameras - enforcing variable limits displayed on electronic boards above the motorway lanes - would reduce congestion, give more reliable journey times, reduce accidents, curb driver stress and reduce emissions.

During normal conditions the variable speed signs will be blank and the limit will be the normal 70mph. But they can also automatically show limits of 40mph, 50mph or 60mph. Limits can also be set manually for speeds below 30mph.

At the summer holiday peak, up to 124,000 cars a day use the M20.