The new 'red light running cameras' are already being erected across Belfast and are expected to be operational in the near future.

This comes just a day after the DoE revealed tough new measures against motorists who drive while using a mobile phone or who do not wear their seatbelt.

The new cameras will record motorists who ignore or jump traffic lights at major junctions. Those who are captured can expect a fine and penalty points.

Police have become increasingly concerned in recent years about the number of vehicles which dash across red lights, risking the lives of themselves and other motorists.

A PSNI spokeswoman confirmed that a number of red light running cameras were being installed in Belfast. She said they would be launched publicly within a month.

A number of Belfast Telegraph readers have contacted the paper to enquire about the new cameras, currently covered with black plastic, which have appeared in recent weeks.

Red light cameras are common in cities in the rest of the UK. While they are not as unpopular as speed cameras, views are mixed about whether they produce a change in behaviour that would result in fewer accidents at junctions.

Paul Smith, of the organisation SpeedSafe, which campaigns against speed cameras, said he did not believe there was any evidence that red light running cameras were effective.

He said: "If anything my fear would be that they would cause an increase in accidents because of motorists' panic braking.

"I would be sceptical of who is being targeted. This is a sticking plaster approach to a serious road safety problem."

But Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Jim Rodgers, supported the cameras. He said: " If they save just one life on our roads then they are worthwhile."

This is the latest tactic used by police in Northern Ireland in their controversial safety camera programme which has raised millions of pounds from local motorists.