A STERN warning has gone out to motorists across Cumbria tempted to take advantage of quieter roads during lockdown after police caught some drivers clocking up speeds of up to 140mph.

One motorist was caught doing 130mph on the A69.

Cumbria police have now joined with colleagues from across the north west region to spell out to all motorists that any motorist who flouts the law could face serious consequences.

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 of 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.

In recent months, Cumbria Constabulary has continued to take tough action against speeding motorists.

In one day last year, the city’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court dealt with several speeders, including one Whitehaven man who admitted driving at nearly 120mph on the A595 Distington bypass.

Another driver admitted reaching 128mph on the same road.

Police pointed out that many such offenders face the prospect of losing their job if they lose their licence. Senior police officers from across the north west have added their voices to the plea for sensible driving.

Chief Inspector Sue Bushell, of Lancashire Police, spoke of the potentially devastating consequences of speeding.

She said: “Sadly, across the north west there has been an increase in some people driving at excessive speeds, potentially putting themselves and others at risk. We will continue to act on the concerns our communities have raised. No matter how quiet the roads may be currently, the speed limit still applies.”