THOUSANDS of motorists have been caught speeding through roadworks on the A1 - with one driver spotted travelling at an average of more than 90mph.

Highways officials have urged motorists to slow down on the dual-carriageway between Leeming and Barton, in North Yorkshire, after 2,717 drivers were caught exceeding the 50mph limit during the first five months of upgrade work.

Data obtained by The Northern Echo reveals that of the drivers caught speeding between August and December last year, 45 per cent (1,214 motorists) chose to attend a speed awareness course, 29 per cent (787) received a fixed penalty including points on their licence and 14 per cent (388) faced court action.

Average speed cameras have been installed along the route of the improvements, which will see the 12-mile stretch become three-lane motorway standard.

North Yorkshire Police revealed that the highest average speed recorded by the cameras was by the driver of an Audi A4 who was caught travelling at an average speed of 91.6mph over a distance of 2.09 miles on the A1 southbound between Barton and Scotch Corner last week.

Dave Brown, North Yorkshire Police traffic bureau manager, said the force had supported Highways England in the detection and prosecution of drivers breaking the speed limit through the roadworks.

He added: "That speed limit is reduced in order to protect the travelling public as well as the work force who are operating in a vulnerable situation.

"Road safety is of paramount importance and excess or inappropriate speed can increase the risk of damage or injury to persons or infrastructure - the message is drive safely, drive carefully and obey the limits at all times."

Two well-known sports stars are among those who have been caught speeding through the roadworks.

Last month, England rugby star Manu Tuilagi, 24, was banned from driving after being caught exceeding the limit in his Audi Q5.

The British and Irish Lions centre was told to forfeit his driving licence for 56 days, fined £1,000, ordered to pay a £100 victims' surcharge and court costs of £85 after pleading guilty to speeding along the road in December at Northallerton Magistrates' Court.

Sunderland AFC striker Connor Wickham, 22, admitted driving a 4x4 on the same stretch of road at an average speed of 60mph on Christmas Eve, days after featuring in the Tyne-Wear derby.

After hearing Wickham already had penalty points on his licence, magistrates fined him £200 and added a further three penalty points.

Lady Melissa Percy, 28, whose father the Duke of Northumberland owns Alnwick Castle, admitted driving an Audi A3 at an average speed of 63mph on the southbound carriageway near Leeming on December 23.

She was fined £100 and her licence was endorsed with three penalty points.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “Narrow lanes are currently in place along the stretch of the A1 between Leeming and Barton while we upgrade the dual carriageway to a three-lane motorway.

“It’s therefore vital that drivers stick to the temporary 50mph limit for their own and our workers’ safety. We are working closely with North Yorkshire Police to prevent lives being put at risk.”

The improvements to the stretch of the A1 are due to be completed in spring 2017.