MOTORISTS who feared they were caught speeding on one of Hampshire’s busiest commuter routes in the past week could be off the hook.

Signs have been put up next to cameras along Mountbatten Way informing people that they are not working.

They are currently being updated but it is not known how long it will be before a new camera is installed.

It comes days after a 50mph speed limit was dropped on the main route into Southampton from the Redbridge roundabout to West Quay Road.

But the lack of a working speed camera means that some motorists who might have been caught out, unaware that the speed limit had dropped, may not be prosecuted.

A spokesman from Hampshire police said: “The speed cameras on the A33 are currently not in operation as they are in the process of being updated.

“This is not related to the temporary reduction in the speed limit, which was introduced by the council as a temporary measure while repair work continues on the railway bridge.

“We would like to remind motorists though that while the cameras are not in operation the speed limit is still enforced.”

The limit between Redbridge Causeway and Mountbatten Way was dropped from 50mph to 40mph on Monday following a major accident earlier this year.

The “temporary precaution” will be put in place in both directions until a permanent solution has been found.

Previously Cllr Jacqui Rayment Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This is the busiest road in the city with on average 70,000 vehicles using it daily and with over 20 recorded road traffic accidents in each of the last three years.

“We are carrying out evaluations on any longer term actions that are required but in the meantime we believe this restriction will improve safety and also contribute to lowering emissions which is an important issue for the city.”

The limit will apply to both inbound and outbound carriageways from the city boundary on Redbridge Causeway through to the existing 40mph zone at the Mountbatten Way junction with West Quay Road.

The change in speed limit comes almost a year after Hampshire police launched a new war on speeding drivers with the installation of new hi-tech speed cameras at accident blackspots across the county.

Fitted with the latest technology they take crystal clear pictures of culprits helping officers trap more drivers and the move triggered debate with Simon Letts, leader of Southampton City Council, who admitted at the time it was “welcome to see that the police are joining the 21st century”.