Politicians joined police officers and children at the launch of a new speed camera in Coldean Lane, Brighton.

Youngsters from Coldean Primary School watched the unveiling and helped to promote road safety.

Labour MP David Lepper switched on the speed camera today.

It was the first of 18 to be installed in the next month by the Sussex Safety Camera Partnership.

Mr Lepper, Brighton Pavilion MP, said the camera was badly needed and wanted by local people.

Mr Lepper said: "It seems to have got worse there since the opening of the Brighton bypass."

Local Labour councillor Tehmtan Framroze said: "We do not want to trap people with these cameras but to get them to reduce their speed and reduce the number of accidents."

The camera is close to where a police car crashed into a tree yesterday. The officer escaped serious injury and his Vauxhall Astra is not thought to have been speeding.