A community radio station has launched a campaign to raise cash to put four speed cameras on the Sheppey Crossing.

BRFM is calling on the Highways Agency to reduce the speed limit on the bridge to 50mph.

Speaking on behalf of the station, Jim Allsworth said there were more than “half a dozen” businessmen – who wanted to remain anonymous – ready to invest in the scheme.

He estimated the project would cost £40,000 in total – £10,000 per camera. He said: “Everyone knows the bridge is a blackspot. The problem is a blind corner and the short distance you can see ahead of you.

“If you are doing the allowable speed limit, the stopping distance is actually less than you can see ahead of you.

“I’m very confident that I can find the funding for it and the interest I have had already for it has been incredible.”

Mr Allsworth added, as far as he was aware, it would be the first time commercial funds would be used in this way and the businessmen would be looking for a return on their investment, but were not after “masses” of money and all additional proceeds from fines would go to local charities.

He said: “We have parking fines for instance that are run by commercial companies. It’s only one step forward to go to speed cameras. I think there will be a resistance from the authorities but at the very least I’m hoping the offer will push them into funding it themselves.

“Even if the authorities wanted [to put in speed cameras] it will have to be budgeted. This is a way of getting it done quickly without having to budget for it.”

A crash last July claimed the lives of Deborah Roberts and her eight-year-old son Marshall. And in September 2013 it was the scene of a 150 vehicle pile-up.