MOST of Dorset’s fixed speed cameras have been switched off, leaving just 15 to snap offenders.

The majority of the yellow boxes alongside the county’s roads are now empty.

But the casing will remain as a deterrent and cameras could be re-installed if a risk to public safety becomes apparent.

Three red light/speed on green cameras have also been removed and the number of mobile camera sites reduced from 33 to 28.

The news comes as figures reveal just £851,000 has been committed to Dorset Road Safe by Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils compared with £2 million two years ago.

But Dorset Road Safe has warned drivers not to attempt to flout the law at other sites around the county.

“The partnership members remain focused on reducing road death and serious injury and therefore all sites will be continually monitored and, where a risk is apparent to public safety, a camera will be reinstalled” said a spokesman.

Assistant Chief Constable of Dorset Police, Mike Glanville, chairman of the Dorset Strategic Road Safety Partnership, said the successful No Excuse campaign will be expanded.

And head of traffic, Chief Inspector Bob Nichols added: “We are aware of the changes and, from a policing perspective, traffic officers will continue to conduct speed enforcement, both during the normal course of duty and through the No Excuse campaign.

“The No Excuse team operate using both marked and unmarked cars and motorbikes, which are fitted with speed detection equipment.”