HUNDREDS of drivers have been caught breaking speed limits on the region’s roads during a week-long crackdown campaign on speeding motorists.

A total of 557 drivers were found to be driving at excessive speeds in a police operation carried out across Darlington and County Durham.

Officers from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) launched their campaign on Monday, April 17, with drivers facing court dates, fixed penalty fines and speed awareness courses.

CDSOU’s Inspector Jon Curtis said: “The number of drivers caught speeding demonstrates that enforcement action remains absolutely essential.

“Too many motorists are continuing to drive in an unacceptable, unsafe manner and putting lives at risk.

“Excess speed is one of the biggest single causes of all road collisions not only in our area, but nationally and remains one of our #fatal4.

“People in Cleveland and Durham can therefore expect to see more operations like this over the coming months.”

Of the 557 drivers caught speeding, 257 were recorded by CDSOU officers patrolling the region’s roads and 300 were captured on equipment used by the unit’s safety camera vans.

Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “This really demonstrates that Durham Constabulary is serious about apprehending speeding drivers who are putting our communities at risk. Improving road safety is one the objectives in my Police, Crime and Victims’ Plan.

“By working together with local communities and partners on initiatives such as Community Speed-watch, we can making our roads a safer place.”