Drivers have been put on high alert over a new "sophisticated" speed trap that has cropped up in a popular hotspot for British tourists.

       The cameras are on a major entrance route in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain.

       The device, which stands at two-and-half metres tall and is powered by solar panels, has been installed on the CV-905 between the San Luis and La Siesta roundabouts.

       This stretch of dual-carriageway has a 30mph speed limit.

       The high-tech equipment, which uses microwaves to detect vehicle speeds and then transmits this data to photographic equipment to catch offenders, is still being 'calibrated'.

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       The speed cameras, which can also detect if drivers are not wearing seatbelts or are on their phones, is expected to be operational by the end of September.

       The installation of this gear cost around ￡51,000 (€60,000), with an annual maintenance fee of ￡5,500 (€6,500).

       It will monitor speeds on both carriageways where the speed limit was introduced in 2018 after it was reclassified as an urban route.

       Before this, a higher speed limit was in place between Torrevieja and the San Luis roundabout but regular users of the CV-906 can attest that many motorists drive as if the old limit still applies.

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       A study by DGT reveals that since 2019, 47 accidents have occurred on the two-kilometre stretch of the road, resulting in three serious injuries and 26 minor ones.

       Earlier this year, Spain also introduced advanced speed cameras that are able to detect when drivers purposefully slow down when nearing speed cameras, only to speed up after passing them.

       The new anti-braking cameras will now measure a vehicle’s speed well before and after passing the speed camera.

       If a significant speed reduction is detected, followed by an increase, fines can be issued.