MOTORISTS across Keighley are being warned by police to "expect the unexpected" as changes are made to the use of speed cameras.

Sites where mobile units are deployed are set to be expanded.

And signage indicating the presence of a camera or enforcement van may not be used.

West Yorkshire Police say 65 people died and over 5,000 were injured on the region's roads last year, with excessive speed one of the most common factors.

"Drivers and motorcyclists should ‘expect the unexpected’ as these changes are made," said a spokesperson.

"Under the new arrangements, safety cameras will continue to be deployed at ‘high risk’ sites with a history of fatal or serious injury collisions. But in addition, cameras may also be utilised at community concern sites where there is clear evidence of emerging risk due to excessive speed. This represents a more proactive approach, to address issues before a fatality or serious injury occurs.

"Safety cameras may also be deployed during periods of roadworks to protect the workforce and other road users, or potentially following the opening of a new road where no speed or collision data exists.

"With regards to signage, currently there are signs to indicate when you are approaching a safety camera or enforcement van. Under the new strategy, some sites may be targeted without signage present, with the aim of encouraging safe speeds across the network."

Paul Jeffrey, police lead for the West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, says: "Over recent years I believe there has been a change in public opinion around issues such as drink driving and seatbelt use, but unfortunately some people still have a mindset that it's OK to speed.

"The reality is that every day our officers and the NHS see the devastating impact of people driving at excessive and inappropriate speeds. These changes will ensure that safety cameras are used more effectively to encourage safe driver behaviour, and prevent crashes."

The partnership, which includes council highways teams and the police, has adopted a Vision Zero strategy.

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire's deputy mayor for policing and crime, says: "We all have a part to play in making our roads safer.

"That is why we have set up a West Yorkshire-wide Vision Zero board to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, road deaths and serious injuries. The mayor and I fully support this approach as one death on our roads is one death too many."