A PILOT scheme to charge speeding motorists for extra prevention measures is proving a success, according to a report.

However, many drivers are still driving too fast on Teesside's roads.

Cleveland police are one of eight forces piloting the cost recovery scheme for additional camera and speed enforcements, called a hypothecation scheme.

Since its launch in April last year, officers have monitored its effect on speeding and the number of casualties resulting from it.

They have produced a report charting the first six months of its operation, due to be presented to a police authority meeting tomorrow.

The report outlines three main objectives of the scheme - to demonstrate a drop in accidents and casualties through extra speed enforcement, to recover the costs of extra camera activity through the use of fines money and to generate a positive public response.

A series of graphs shows slight drops in speeds in most force areas during the period. Overall, 85 per cent of drivers drove at 35.7mph on 30mph roads, compared with 38.2mph before the experiment. The figure for 40mph roads fell from 42mph to 40mph, and for 60mph roads it dropped by 6mph.The figures for casualties also slightly reduced.

Projected figures for the next six months predict a continuation of the trends.

In a report to the police authority, Chief Constable Barry Shaw says: "Although it is too early to draw any conclusions from the data, the indications of speed and casualty reductions are encouraging, providing evidence of the positive effect of the application of enforcement strategies."

Success was also measured in the recovery of fines, with 89.9 per cent being collected in April and May last year and no shortfalls predicted.

The report says: "The public relations officer has taken advantage of numerous opportunities to explain the system to such groups as the Institute of Advanced Motorists and Yarm Motorcyclists.