THE locations of mobile speed traps in Gwent are to be published in your Argus in a major victory for our readers.

The move marks a shift to a more open policy from Gwent Police over their use of mobile speed traps.

In an Argus letters special following our feature on Cardiff Road, Newport, you accused the police of "exploitation".

Now, to show they are listening to you and back up their claims that they have "nothing to hide" over the speed reduction campaigns, Gwent Police will soon be telling the Argus in advance where they plan to place their mobile cameras.

Today, in an exclusive interview, Assistant Chief Constable Bill Horne and Chief Inspector Peter Fouweather, head of the traffic department, tackle the issues that you have raised in the Argus.

They explain how Gwent Police do not benefit financially from fining motorists, and how their crackdown on Cardiff Road was set up in response to public pressure to reduce speeding on the road.

The location of the cameras will be published on a weekly basis and will start in the next few weeks.

Chief Inspector Fouweather, pictured, said: "We are quite happy for people to know where we will be, and if the Argus wants to publicise this, then we are happy for them to do so."

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Horne said: "It is not about being punitive, it is about reducing collisions. We have nothing to hide."

The move has been welcomed by the executive director of the RAC Foundation, Edmund King, who said: "If they are placed at accident blackspots, and the police advertise the fact that they are there, that will slow people down then and is to be applauded."

Chief Inspector Fouweather added: "Of course, there may be times when we have to be somewhere else in response to calls from the public, but this list will be where we know we will be."

It is the latest step in a more overt approach to policing Gwent's roads, which will include the traffic department's unmarked cars and vans being given new markings so motorists are aware they are police vehicles. Mr Horne added: "We are acknowledging public concerns."