Speed cameras in Kent and Medway could be used to catch motorists using mobile phones and not wearing seat belts.

Kent County Council and Medway Council have now both approved a pilot scheme to be run by the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership which will see mobile cameras used to crack down on offenders.

But those caught on the phone or without a seatbelt will escape a fine. Instead, they will receive a warning letter, alerting them to the fact that they have been captured on camera and told why it is dangerous.

If the trial is successful, it could be extended across the county but will initially be limited to the use of a mobile camera used in Medway.

Chris Rogers, of the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, said: “For every hundred people, ten may not be wearing their seatbelts.

"We cannot tolerate that and it is unacceptable.

"We hope a letter will be enough to send out a message that we will not tolerate people either using a phone or driving without a seatbelt.”

There was no issue relating to the legality of using speed cameras for other purposes, he added.

The pilot is expected to get underway this Autumn and will be reviewed after about a year.