Motorists in Essex are being warned that dangerous driving is likely to be detected from the sky.

New distinctive signs warn motorists of the presence of a police helicopter equipped with an automated number plate-recognition (ANPR) device - which can read a number plate from 213m - and radar speed detection.

The helicopter also has a ‘skyshout’ public address system to warn drivers and others on the ground of a detection or pursuit.
In all, 26 signs will be placed by the road in three high-risk accident areas.

Cllr Norman Hume, chairman of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board, said: ‘We feel that signs warning of the likelihood of detection by air will be an extra incentive to all motorists, particularly motorcyclists, to drive safely and help us reduce accidents further.’