CAMERAS popping up on Launceston’s roads have led to local intrigue surrounding their purpose, however, National Highways have finally revealed what they are for.

During the last week, a number of cameras appeared in Launceston, with many of them situated along the bridges over the A30. Following their installation, residents have been left questioning the purpose of these devices.

The cameras, which appear to be observing local roads, have led to some concern from locals about the potential installation of speed cameras in the area, or potential preparation ahead of planned roadworks.

However, National Highways has now revealed the purpose of the Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Steve Havers, spatial planner for National Highways, told the Post: “In collaboration with Cornwall Council, we have installed a number of traffic survey cameras along the A30 and adjoining routes in Launceston. The cameras will record vehicle volumes and routing to understand traffic demands impacting on the A30 and the immediate surrounding local network.

“National Highways has a legal obligation to process data when carrying out public tasks such as traffic counting surveys, and we ensure that the right safeguards are in place to keep information safe.”

Steve explained that vehicle movement were being monitored to provide the organisation with the necessary information to understand road usage in the area.

He continued: “The cameras will simply be recording vehicle movements to understand current traffic demands and inform any future traffic modelling.”

The surveys in Launceston started on Tuesday, April 28, and will finish on Wednesday, April 30, with National Highways stating that the equipment will be moved soon after.

A spokesperson from the organisation added: “This is part of a wider programme of surveys at key junctions on our network in Cornwall.”