The Trucam II cameras, which are a handheld equivalent of the technology used in speed safety vans, are being tested by officers over a three-month period.

The devices can detect between 20 and 50 speeding motorists in an hour and allow officers to target rural roads where speed safety vans could not previously operate.

The PSNI said the cameras could be a “real game changer” but stressed that “the public need to work with us” for the technology to be effective. Chief inspector Celeste Simpson said that cameras allow officers to be visible for longer at the side of the road while still making detections with the hope that drivers will make an informed decision to change their behaviour.

The equipment combines a speed-detecting laser with video recording, allowing officers to collect the evidence required to prosecute drivers without having to stop vehicles. Previous technology required officers to stop each motorist detected reducing the number of motorists that could be detected.

The cameras are already used by police forces in England and by the Garda Síochána in the Republic of Ireland. The trial is taking place to ensure that there are no bugs in the system prior to further rollout.