SPEEDING drivers and those without insurance are being targeted as part of a police campaign to improve road safety.

Durham Constabulary’s new Road Safety Bureau set up cameras at sites across County Durham and Darlington and look to educate drivers on other road safety offences such as the use of seatbelts and using mobile phones.

Bureau manager Terri Raine said: “This is an important area of activity which we know helps make communities safer and will therefore always be a priority for the constabulary.

“As well as targeting speeding motorists, the force will also be targeting uninsured drivers who put other road users in danger especially as they are often involved in other crimes such as drugs offences or driving without a licence. Bad driving can have devastating consequences for everyone involved so we would always encourage drivers to think twice and just slow down.”

In preparation for the launch on Monday, the new unit has identified places where dangerous drivers who flaunt speed limits.

On a 30mph road in Sherburn Hill, 59 vehicles were speeding within just one hour with the highest recorded speed being 51mph.

After a visit to Maiden Law near Lanchester, 47 vehicles were speeding with the worst offenders travelling at 52mph in a 30mph limit and in Geneva Road in Darlington, a vehicle was also clocked doing 52mph in the 30mph zone.

Acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Steve White added: “This is a local priority in the Police and Crime plan and is something I take seriously.

“Speeding is an issue that is regularly highlighted to us by communities across Durham and Darlington and we are determined to take action and support of local residents.”