CONTROVERSIAL speed cameras were under fire again last night after a police van raced past a trap on a housing estate to check it was working.

Startled motorists watched as the Cleveland Police vehicle sped past the camera, on a road where locals have demanded a safe crossing for children.

Drivers accused the police of double standards and said the van, estimated to be travelling at 45mph in the 30mph zone, was a danger to other motorists and pedestrians.

Officials said the speeding police officer was making sure the camera was working properly, but one witness said: "I have never heard anything so crazy in all my life."

The row is the latest in a series to dog the Cleveland Safety Camera Partnership, including the embarrassing saga of having to replace signs after two police officers who were caught speeding escaped prosecution when they argued the warnings did not meet Department for Transport guidelines.

Since then, the partnership has increased the number of traps across the force area, including the scene of the latest row, Throston Grange Lane, in Hartlepool.

A mobile camera was placed on the 30mph road on Thursday evening and set at 35mph to catch motorists considered a danger to the public.

But one of the first vehicles through the trap at an excessive speed was the police van.

Camera partnership boss Mick Bennet defended the driver, but locals were furious at the apparent double standards.

A 43-year-old council worker who saw the incident, said: "If there is one rule for one, it should be the same rule for everyone.

"What if there were young children out playing or someone trying to cross the road?

"They have to ask themselves whether they are being a serious threat to other motorists and pedestrians if they are deliberately breaking the limit."

Mr Bennett said: "When you set the camera up, it is set at 35mph and the operator has to drive through it at a higher speed to make sure it is working.

"It is a requirement by law that we have to do the checks."

Anti-speed camera campaigner David Thompson, who lives in nearby Seaton Carew, said: "If the police can do 45mph up there, why can't ordinary motorists do it?

"People have been trying to get a school crossing patrol on that road, but they have been denied it.

"Maybe it is because crossings cost money but speed cameras generate it."

Meanwhile, a senior traffic officer with Northumbria Police has caused a storm of controversy after he said cameras do not reduce accidents.

Acting Chief Inspector Paul Gilroy's comments were described as disappointing by Mr Bennett, who said: "National and local figures show speed cameras make people slow down and therefore save lives."