IF YOU thought you could get away with speeding at night, think again.

Hampshire police have revealed their latest weapon in the battle against drivers who flout the limit – infrared cameras that can photograph vehicles in the dark.

The latest technology enables officers to obtain crystal clear images of registration plates, even on unlit roads.

Three of the new night-vision cameras have already been installed in speed detector vans.

And more are on the way.

One of the devices will be deployed in the New Forest as part of a new campaign to reduce the number of animals killed in accidents, many of which occur at dusk.

Collisions tend to spike when the clocks go back and commuters find themselves driving home in the dark for the first time in months.

Sergeant Rob Heard, of Hampshire police said: “A lot of accidents in the Forest occur either at dawn or dusk, when people might not be able to see the animals clearly.

“A total of 72 animals were killed in 2013.

“We’ve seen 35 deaths so far this year and we’re expecting the figure to go up when the clocks go back and the darker evenings set in.”

The scheme is being run in conjunction with two organisations involved in the welfare of New Forest ponies – the Verderers and the Commoners’ Defence Association.

The Verderers employ Agisters to deal with day-to-day issues involving animals, including road accidents.

Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli said: “Autumn is an especially important time of year as it gets darker earlier in the evening and some drivers may not realise that the number of accidents involving animals on rural roads will increase because of that.”

The scheme was also welcomed by Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Hayes.

He said: “I fully endorse the use of technology especially if it supports the police to better perform their role.

“The irresponsible behaviour of some motorists places other road users at risk.

“They have a legal responsibility to observe speed limits day or night. They’re put in place to protect all road users, including themselves.”