AVERAGE speed cameras intended to catch speeding motorists during the summer on a popular stretch of the North Coast 500 are finally set to go live.

Transport Scotland announced in June that four camera columns would be introduced, originally set to go live in July, after campaigners called for stricter road policing following a string of serious incidents.

The cameras are being deployed on a temporary basis on the A836 between Reay and Thurso and are now expected to go live at the start of autumn according to the John O'Groat Journal.

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Cameras are to be erected at Reay, Forss, Brims Hill and one just to the west of Thurso.

Police Scotland’s North Safety Camera Unit identified the location “as having speed concerns and increased traffic volumes, both of which are potential ongoing road safety challenges”.

As well as being part of the famed NC500 route the A836 is used by motorists travelling to and from Dounreay and Vulcan.

Community councils in Thurso and Caithness West both raised concerns over the locations of the cameras and have questioned the effectiveness in reducing motorist's speeds – especially on two straight sections.