THE first average speed cameras to be powered by renewable energy in the Highlands have gone live on a busy stretch of the North Coast 500.

The temporary cameras have been installed on a 10-mile stretch of the A836 in response to reports of speeding and an increase in traffic in the area, Police Scotland said.

Cameras have been erected between Thurso and Reay, near the Dounreay nuclear power complex, and are powered by renewable energy which allows them to be placed in more remote areas for the first time.

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Unit manager for Police Scotland's North Safety Camera Unit Eric Dunion said: “Our priority is firmly focused on helping to reduce road casualties and improving road safety by slowing motorists down and making them think about their driving behaviours.

“The introduction of these new temporary cameras on the A836 will hopefully do just that.”

Average speed cameras measure vehicles as they travel between two points, meaning drivers can’t simply just slow down when passing one and then speed up afterward.

A speed camera system has been operational on the A9 in the Highlands since 2014.

However, the new technology has allowed the expansion of the camera system to more remote parts in the country.