More drivers caught speeding on quiet roads across West Country during lockdown

• A message from Inspector Frazer Davey of Avon and Somerset Police:

The number of motorists caught speeding during the lockdown has significantly risen according to Devon and Cornwall Police.

Officers say drivers have been taking advantage of quieter roads potentially putting lives at risk.

They are now campaigning about the dangers of speeding with more motorists on the roads, as restrictions are eased.

Sgt Olly Tayler says, "Over the last few weeks, unfortunately we've seen a significant increase in the number of serious and fatal collisions that we've been dealing with across our road network."

Across Avon and Somerset's force area, traffic patrols will be increased over the next few weeks to deter people from exceeding the speed limits.

Residents in Westbury-on-Trym say they have noticed motorists have been speeding in areas they usually would not be able to as lockdown has eased congestion.

Stephanie is a community Speedwatch volunteer. She says, "Many members of the public have been contacting the police directly and saying that their particular road has become a bit of a racetrack.

"The other thing of course is that so many more cyclists and so many more pedestrians were out there and finding ti very difficult. They weren't even feeling safe on the pavement."

Over the past few weeks Avon and Somerset Police say the number of complaints they have received about people speeding have doubled.

They are now starting a campaign to remind motorists of the dangers of speeding. During the first hour of a police traffic patrol multiple drivers were pulled over for speeding.