Police are clamping down on speeding motorists on the A66 Appleby bypass.

Officers are today assisting Highways England with safety issues on the A66, near Appleby.

The road is currently undergoing repairs and lane closures are in place.

To ensure the safety of motorists as well as the staff working within the roadworks, a series of 50mph and 30mph restrictions are in place.

Officers from Cumbria Police Mobile Support Group are assisting Highways England by monitoring and enforcing the speed restrictions to maintain the safety of everyone using the A66 through the roadworks.

They have been present at varying times over the last two weeks and will be there until the works are complete.

Sergeant Lee Hill, from the mobile support group, said: “I am disappointed with the number of motorists exceeding the speed limits and at some of the excessive speeds we’ve been seeing.

“Officers have recorded speeds of 74mph within the 30mph restriction and also 83mph in the 50mph restriction. This is unacceptable and places the staff working there at serious risk of injury.

“The driver who went through the 30mph limit at 74mph will have to attend court as a consequence of their actions. They made no effort of slowing down and as such put both officers' and Highways staff’s welfare at risk.

“We are asking motorists to adhere to the posted speed limits. The work force may not always be visible but motorists who are exceeding the posted speed limit are placing everyone’s safety at risk.”