BETTER weather means drivers face an increased risk of being involved in an accident, collision investigators have warned.

Today marks the launch of week-long campaign to combat excess speed and make roads safer for motorists.

The initiative, which is co-ordinated by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), will see officers conduct high profile and static speed checks across the North-East.

Inspector Jon Curtis, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Speed limits are put in place for a reason; to protect pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and other road users.

“Speeding remains one of the four main factors in serious or fatal collisions.

“The lighter nights and improving weather conditions will mean that children will be out playing later into the evening, which makes it even more pertinent that people keep a close eye on their speed and stick to the limits.”

In the five years between 2012 to 2016 throughout Cleveland and Durham there were 916 collisions involving excessive or illegal speed.

Half occurred in daylight and fine weather.

Insp Curtis said travelling at even just a few miles over the speed limit can be deadly.

Driving at 35mph instead of 30mph can mean that a vehicle can take a further six metres to come to a stop.

Insp Curtis said: “With summer upon us please do not put yourself at risk by driving at an inappropriate speed.

“We have figures to suggest that road users are more at risk in the hours of daylight when the weather is fine, the opposite of what most people believe.

“I would also like to remind drivers in our rural communities to be aware of the increase in slow moving farm vehicles on narrow winding roads.”

Police are able to determine the speed a vehicle was travelling at when a collision takes place and those who have broken the law by speeding are prosecuted.

Speeding currently carries a minimum penalty of £100 fine and three penalty points on the driving licence.

Drivers face disqualification should they build up 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period.

Inspector Curtis added: “We want people to drive in a way that they would expect others to drive. Those travelling above the speed limit will face the consequences.”