Over 10,000 drivers have been caught speeding through M6 roadworks near Penrith in Cumbria. The offences took place at the site of a major infrastructure project, prompting urgent safety warnings from both National Highways and police.
The speeding violations were recorded near Lowther Bridge, where a two-year, £9 million refurbishment scheme is underway, says the Westmoreland Gazette. A 40mph speed limit is in place through the main roadworks, and average speed cameras became operational on 12 June.
Steve Mason, programme manager at National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority.
“Tens of thousands of people use this section of the M6 every day but for the sake of shaving an extra minute or two off their journey times, some drivers are putting their own safety and the safety of our roadworkers at risk.
“Our staff and contractors are working around the clock to complete this project as quickly as possible, and they’re entitled to do that safely without the threat of being maimed or killed by someone recklessly speeding through the roadworks.”
The figures were revealed by the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, and enforcement is being carried out by Cumbria Police.
Inspector Jack Stabler, Cumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit lead and Chair of Cumbria’s Road Safety Partnership, said: “Speed cameras aren’t popular with some but the cameras currently in place on the M6 south of Penrith serve an extremely important purpose in allowing for the motorway to remain open whilst essential work is carried out.
“As Chair of the county’s Road Safety Partnership, I am concerned about the number of people choosing to ignore the speed limits currently in place on this small section of the M6.
“The cameras and speed restrictions are in place to protect workers carrying out road improvements so whilst the number of people fined may grab the headlines, the real concern is the number of people driving with a disregard for the lives of those who are in a vulnerable position, working alongside moving motorway traffic.
(Pic: National Highways)
