More than 10,000 motorists have received speeding fines for breaking a new 40mph limit in place to allow roadworks to be completed on the M6 in Cumbria.
The Cumbria Road Safety Partnership revealed that average speed cameras have caught thousands of drivers since enforcement began on June 12.
National Highways has now issued a stark "Kill your speed, not one of our roadworkers" message, warning that drivers can cause fatalities unless they respect the reduced speed limit.
The prosecutions related to a section of the motorway south of Penrith, where major construction work is currently underway.
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The lower speeds saw roughly 10,000 drivers slapped with penalties
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Officials stressed that roadworkers face potentially fatal risks from speeding vehicles while carrying out essential improvements to the busy route.
The roadworks form part of a £9million scheme to refurbish Lowther Bridge, which began in March and is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.
The two-year project requires a 40mph speed restriction through the main construction zone, where workers operate alongside live traffic.
Since average speed cameras became operational in mid-June, enforcement has revealed widespread non-compliance with the temporary limit.
The roadworks meant that speed limits were reduced in the area to safely allow workers to complete improvements
| PAThe construction affects the motorway between junctions 39 and 40, where space constraints prevent maintaining standard lane configurations.
National Highways implemented the reduced speed limit to protect construction crews working in close proximity to passing vehicles.
The project involves round-the-clock operations to minimise disruption to the tens of thousands of drivers who use this section daily.
Steve Mason, National Highways programme manager, emphasised that: "Safety is our number one priority" and condemned drivers who risk lives "for the sake of shaving an extra minute or two off their journey times."
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He stated that: "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."
Meanwhile, Inspector Jack Stabler, who leads Cumbria Police's Roads Policing Unit and chairs the Road Safety Partnership, expressed concern about motorists, "driving with a disregard for the lives of those who are in a vulnerable position."
He urged drivers to: "Allow a few minutes more for your journey and think of the workers by the side of the road who, just like you, have families they would like to go home to."
The 40mph restriction was put in place due to the carriageway's lack of sufficient space to maintain dual lanes in both directions while accommodating standard temporary barriers.
The M6 saw its speed reduced to 40mph between junctions 39 and 40
| PANetwork Rail's concurrent construction of a new railway bridge over the M6 at Clifton has also added issues to traffic management arrangements.
Temporary exit and entry slip roads on the northbound carriageway serving Network Rail's site also require the reduced speed limit. Authorities implemented a graduated approach to help motorists adjust safely, with a 50mph zone preceding the 40mph section where average speed cameras operate.
This stepped arrangement aims to prevent abrupt speed changes that could cause accidents. Motorists caught exceeding the limit face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence.
Mr Mason noted that "Speeding plays a role in close to half of the collisions on our roads" and emphasised that appropriate speeds reduce accidents. He added that "Speed cameras in roadworks help improve safety and smooth traffic flow as well."