A decision to extend a controversial safety camera project was last night attacked by a motoring group, as figures showed about £3m a year is generated by speedtraps in the region.

A Northern Echo survey showed more 1,000 drivers a week in the North-East are given fixed penalty notices after being caught on camera breaking the limit.

Cleveland, one of eight police force areas allowed to keep revenue from speeding fines as part of a Government pilot scheme launched three years ago, is to increase its number of camera sites from 42 to 50.

Mick Bennett, of the Cleveland Safety Camera Partnership (CSCP), defended the move and denied it was a money-making scheme.

But Tony Vickers, of the Association of British Drivers, called for a halt to the spread of cameras until restrictions can be put in place to ensure they are used only on accident blackspots.

Mr Vickers said: "The problem with safety camera partnerships is that they are self-perpetuating and self- justifying.

"We need to audit the way cameras are introduced on roads much more strictly than we do at the moment.

"There are all sorts of reasons for accidents, and speed cameras should not be in place anywhere unless there have been a number of accidents where exceeding the speed limit is the cause.

"Before cameras are put up at accident blackspots, we should be looking at engineering the problem out of the road."

Mr Bennett said, however: "Motorists must understand that the cameras are deployed for their own safety and to improve safety on our roads."

The new sites are Mandale Road and Acklam Road, in Middlesbrough; Throston Grange Lane, Easington Road/Powlett Road and the A689 in Hartlepool; and Redcar Lane and Kirkleatham Lane, in Redcar; and Redcar Road, in Marske.

The A689 in Hartlepool, already covered by a mobile camera, will have a camera on the 40mph section between Truro Drive and Seaton Lane.

Signs detailing the speed limit and the fact that the roads are now monitored are being erected by local authorities, and enforcement can begin any time after they are in place.

The CSCP is confident there will be no repeat of the scandal of the non-prescribed signs which allowed two North Yorkshire police officers to avoid prosecution for speeding last month.

Mr Bennett said: "Let us be clear, excessive speed can lead to serious and fatal crashes.

"However, a large reduction in casualties can be achieved if motorists drive within the designated speed limits."