SPEEDING drivers are being warned to keep within the limits as the city's first speed cameras have gone "live".

There are two speed cameras on City Walls Road, one in each direction, to spot motorists travelling faster than 30mph.

They are the first cameras in Worcestershire to be switched on by the Safety Camera Partnership, which launched its campaign last week.

Other camera locations can be checked on www.speedaware.org.uk

The partnership, which involves councils, police and the Highways Agency, has switched on the cameras as West Mercia police launch their "eye in the sky" to police the roads.

This month police will be using the force helicopter to patrol notorious roads, such as the A449 and A38 in Worcestershire, to try and reduce the number of accidents involving motorbikes.

The helicopter will scour roads in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire to track and video any riders who carry out dangerous manoeuvres and exceed speed limits.

"Motorcyclists only account for one per cent of vehicle traffic in West Mercia," said Chief Supt Howard Topping.

"But last year their riders and passengers made up nearly a tenth of all road death victims and a quarter of all people injured on our roads.

"We know that the more serious incidents occur at weekends and during the summer months, particularly in rural areas where large numbers of leisure motorcyclists take high-speed runs on powerful sports bikes, which is why we're launching this high profile campaign now."

Once a vehicle has been spotted it will be tracked from the air. Police officers on the ground will be in contact with the helicopter team and will deal with vehicles as necessary.

Police will also be taking every opportunity to speak to bikers about the risks of dangerous behaviour and high speeds, as well as raising awareness of motorbikes with other motorists.

"The faster you ride the more likely you are to crash," said Chief Supt Topping.

"The faster you crash, the more likely you are to die. Choose your speed, choose your consequence."