Anxious MP Michael Wills yesterday called on council chiefs in Swindon to protect people living in or around one of the town's busiest roads when the speed cameras are controversially removed.

From the next month the borough council will become the first local authority in the country to completely pull the plug on speed cameras, claiming they were more about raising revenue for the Government than saving lives.

Instead, it pledged to spend the £320,000 it had previously given to the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership (WSSCP) on what it describes as more efficient road safety measures.

There are currently three fixed-point cameras in Swindon and two red light cameras, which are all expected to be removed at the beginning of April when the council's annual contribution to the partnership expires.

North Swindon MP Mr Wills believes the decision by the Tory-run authority will endanger lives, especially in busy Oxford Road, which has a 30mph speed limit.

Oxford Road was an infamous speeding black spot until cameras covering both directions were put in place.

Mr Wills said: "I remain concerned at the council's decision to withdraw funding for fixed speed cameras in Swindon and continue to receive letters from residents worried about road safety here.

"I want to make sure that they keep their promise and act to protect people using Oxford Road."

Mr Wills conducted a survey in the Oxford Road area, which included drivers and pedestrians, to find out what type of road safety measures residents would like to see.

He said that nearly half of respondents felt that Oxford Road was either "not very safe" or "not safe at all" for pedestrians.

He said the survey revealed that cameras were supported by 38 per cent of respondents while 58 per cent wanted more vehicle activated signs.

Some 36 per cent wanted more pedestrian crossings, 24 per cent favoured more traffic lights and 16 per cent went for traffic calming measures such as speed humps.

Last night a council spokesman said road safety options that would replace the speed cameras would be discussed at a cabinet meeting on April 15.

He said these would not be revealed until the report to councillors was published.

Swindon council sparked a nationwide debate last year when it revealed it would ditch its speed camera contribution to the WSSCP.

Instead it pledged to work with partners such as police to improve education and enforcement of road safety.