POLICE have issued a warning to motorists who may be tempted to speed on quieter roads during the lockdown

In recent weeks, traffic officers on the region's roads have seen some worrying examples of drivers who have blatantly flouted the rules of the road, with some clocking up speeds of more than 140mph.

One motorist was caught doing 130mph on the A69.

Ben Swinson, Chief Inspector of Cumbria Constabulary’s Roads Policing unit, said: “In recent weeks we have seen evidence of people using the quieter roads as an excuse to drive dangerously and at speed. Whilst the world might have changed, the speed limits and traffic laws have not.

"The county’s roads are not a race track.

“We have seen some particularly egregious examples in recent weeks, including a vehicle being recorded travelling in excess on 130mph on the A69.

“We are expecting the roads to be progressively busier in the coming days and weeks and would urge everyone to drive with caution.

“Driving recklessly puts yourself and other road users at an enormous risk of serious injury or death – and all at a time when the emergency services, and particularly hospitals, are under great strain.”

Police forces across the North West are running a joint campaign to crack down on speeders.

After individual speeding enforcement campaigns, Cumbria Constabulary today joined forces with colleagues at Cheshire Constabulary, Lancashire Police, Cumbria Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police to urge motorists to slow down.

If prosecuted for speeding, the minimum penalty is a £100 fine and three penalty points. You could also be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.

For more information log on to www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties

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