SPEED cameras that have caught out many a motorist along the A1 upgrade roadworks have been removed along a section in preparation of its full reopening.

The cameras, designed to enforce the average 50mph limit, have been removed along a stretch between Leeming and Catterick – although the 50mph limit remains in force.

Speed limit signs are still highly visible along the route but all signs featuring the camera icon have also been taken down, prompting fears some motorists may take advantage of the lack of cameras and increase their speed.

A Highways England spokeswoman said: “Safety is Highways England’s top priority and the 50mph speed limit remains in place along this stretch for the safety of road users and our workforce.

"We are in the process of moving into the final phase before opening Leeming to Catterick.”

This section of road is due to be open by "late summer" but the spokeswoman was unable to give a precise date, saying only that an announcement would be made when it was confirmed.

North Yorkshire County Council leader Carl Les, who has repeatedly raised concerns over the impact of the roadworks on nearby communities, said he welcomed the move towards re-opening a section soon, but also warned that in the meantime motorists are unlikely to stick to the 50mph limit without the average speed cameras in place.

He said: "I can confirm that this morning I was driving to Richmond and I was overtaken by a number of vehicles because I think they have actually dropped all the camera signs.

"There is usually a camera icon underneath the speed limit signs and all those have been taken off.

"Certainly there were a lot of vehicles going just over 50mph when I was on the road."

Cllr Les also expressed concern that if a section is soon to open to three lanes it will cause bottle-necks when it reduces back to two where roadworks remain ongoing.

It was revealed in April that the overall £380.3 million A1 Leeming to Barton upgrade project is running six months behind schedule and Cllr Les said he "wished they would just get on with the job".

According to Highways England website, the scheme is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.