Speed cameras at the side of roads trap more than 2,000 motorists a year in Sussex.

But Sussex Police remain in a minority by not making cameras more visible to drivers.

A total of 24 forces in England and Wales have joined an initiative to paint cameras bright yellow in return for being allowed to keep part of the cash raised in fines.

Home Office figures revealed yesterday prosecutions from speed camera evidence had not dipped below the 2,000 mark since 1997.

Latest figures from the year 2000 revealed 2,018 motorists in Sussex were landed with fines while in 1997 the figure was 2,292.

Transport minister John Spellar said the aim of fixed cameras was to get drivers to slow down rather than catch them out.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Sussex Police was not involved in the first round of this scheme and from what we understand there has been much discussion from other forces about which parts of the camera should be painted.

"We have now bid to become involved but there is still a lot of discussion around it."

Cameras had been branded a stealth tax by motoring groups and prompted the Government to agree they should be more visible to drivers.

Ministers agreed police forces taking part in the scheme should not position cameras behind trees.

They had to be visible from 60m where there was a speed limit of 40mph or less and from of 100m where the limit was higher.