New speed cameras fitted across Swansea at the beginning of the year have not been working, it emerged today. Drivers have been slowing up at the cameras to avoid £60 fines.

But now it's been revealed the cameras haven't been on since first going up.

They only went 'live' today.

Seven new camera systems have swung into action, taking the total in Swansea to 22.

Six are in the city, at Carmarthen Road, Peniel Green Road, Pentregethin, Ravenhill Road, Tycoch Road and Westway.

And the seventh system is at the gateway to Mumbles, at Mumbles Road, near the lido at Blackpill.

Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership says it is confident they will prove their worth in the battle to persuade drivers to slow down.

Partnership project manager John Rowling said the decision to put more up in Swansea was not taken lightly.

"All static camera sites are selected on the basis of accident history and speed analysis,'' he said today. "Furthermore, authority is required from the National Programme Board, which includes the Department for Transport and Assembly Government, prior to camera placement.

"The required advanced camera signage and visibility guidelines reinforce our commitment to openness and transparency.

"I would ask that the motoring public continue to support our requests to slow down for the interest and safety of all road users.''

The latest instalment will strengthen the campaign which officials say is definitely working.

Since the pilot scheme was introduced in the South Wales Police area in 2000, the number of road deaths has dropped by 35 per cent.

Officials point to those figures in the light of frequent criticism of speed camera use as nothing more than a money-making exercise by police.

They insist that after the cost of operations and new equipment had been taken care of, all money from fines went to the Government.

But they admit, too, that they have failed to get that message across to the public.

Motorist Gaynor Myles, of Mayals Road in Mayals, said drivers had been slowing up at the Blackpill lights for weeks.

She added: "The cameras have made a difference - even if they haven't been on. But what does seem to be happening is that motorists are 'bunching up' around them and I can see that leading to problems in its own right.''