A speed camera installed on a major Newcastle road made more than £600,000 in fines - in just one year.

Northumbria Police deployed a 'mobile camera site' on Ponteland Road in January last year to catch motorists exceeding the road's 30mph limit.

Since it came into operation, the camera has caught 6,073 motorists on the road route between Etal Lane Roundabout and Springfield Roundabout.

But one angry motorist, who was caught going over the speed limit, has branded the camera a cash cow.

He said: "The speed signs are inadequate and this is probably why this camera catches so many motorists.

"In my opinion, it is another money spinner which has done nothing to reduce incidents but has contributed to a minimum of £600,000 in fines."

The motorist said there were not enough signs telling drivers what the speed limit is on the route and that one sign can't be seen if a bus is passing.

Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council decided to put the camera in place due to the results of accident statistics and prevalent speed issues .

PC Pete Burke, of Northumbria Police’s camera enforcement unit, said the force makes no cash out of the camera and is focused on making our roads safer.

He added: "Speed limits are in place for a reason and speed cameras are just one of the many deterrents we use to ensure motorists are not driving above the limit.

"The presence of a speed camera, whether that is a mobile van or a stationary camera, deters speeding and helps improve road safety across the force area. "

All sites are agreed and certificated by the relevant Highways Authority from a signage and legality perspective, the force said.

PC Burke added: "The idea that these cameras are a money making scheme is a complete myth and all money generated from speed awareness courses is used to cover the cost of enforcing speed limits across our force area.

"We do not make any profit whatsoever and it is astonishing that some people are angrier at police speed cameras than those who put lives at risk by breaking the speed limit.

"We personally see the devastating effect the loss of a loved one at the hands of a speeding motorist has on family and friends.

"This is something we take very seriously and we will continue to actively enforce speed limits across our force area when it is appropriate to do so.”