A temporary 50mph limit has been imposed on a half mile stretch of the M1 between Junctions 30 and 31 just south of Woodall Services to protect motorists and workers.

In the first week of safety camera operations over 25% of all vehicles recorded through the average speed enforcement system (SPECS), were exceeding the speed limit.

The behaviour has been condemned by Chief Inspector Andy Male, head of roads policing at South Yorkshire Police.

“The speed cameras are there for the safety of workers and motorists alike. Drivers who ignore the speed limit, along with the camera warning signs and our high visibility cameras, are showing a total disregard for safety on one of the busiest stretches of road in the country.”

“Most motorists understand the need for safety in roadworks and reduce their speed accordingly, as can be seen from this past weeks results. Unfortunately a significant minority are prepared to put the lives of themselves and others at risk.”

“Quite apart from the risk to workers, anyone breaking down on this stretch of motorway will be at risk from speeding traffic,” said Chief Inspector Male. “With narrow lanes and a road layout which can be changing daily, fifty miles per hour is the maximum acceptable speed.”

“I would be delighted if no offences were detected because people were respecting the limit  and we did not have to issue any fines at all.”

The cameras are being operated by South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership for the duration of the project, which will last until late September.