WORK to resurface a section of the busy M62 motorway has started.

The scheme, covering a four mile stretch between junction 18 and 20, Simister Island and Thornham, near Rochdale, is expected to bring major traffic headaches for motorists.

Work is expected to last more than 40 weeks -- up to April, 2003. Motorists have also been urged to take alternative routes as lane closures will occur.

Digital speed detection cameras will be installed to monitor a 50mph speed limit.

They are mounted on blue stands beside the motorway.

It is the first time the bright yellow cameras have been used in Greater Manchester. They measure the speed of a vehicle over a particular distance to give an average reading.

Speeding motorists will be fined in the usual manor and both carriageways will be monitored 24 hours a day.

Sgt Christopher Nealon, of the Greater Manchester Police Motorway Unit said: "We are very keen to emphasise this is a road safety measure aimed at reducing the number of accidents on the motorway during this time.

"It is not a purge to harass drivers, nor are the cameras being introduced as an income-generating resource.

"The number of accidents increases during the winter months and we want to make the roads as safe as possible during a period when the motorway will be severely affected by restricted traffic flow.

"We urge motorists to drive responsibly at all times but particularly during this major undertaking".