MOTORISTS driving through a major upgrade scheme on the A1 are being asked to slow down for their own safety, and that of contractors working at the roadside.

Figures show that an average of 1,000 drivers a month are breaking the 50mph limit on the A1 between Dishforth and Leeming, in North Yorkshire, where work to upgrade it to motorway standard is ongoing.

One of the highest speeds recorded by police on that stretch of road in recent months was 98mph.

Launching the Respect Our Roadworkers scheme, Highways Agency senior project manager David Brindle said: “There is a 50mph speed limit in place on this stretch of the A1 for a very good reason – the safety of drivers and road workers while work is under way to upgrade this stretch of the A1.

“We are concerned about the number of drivers who appear to be ignoring the speed limit, putting themselves and our workforce in danger.

“Driving through half a mile of roadworks at 70mph takes just ten seconds less than at 50mph – a ten second saving which can put lives at risk.

“We currently have more than 700 people working on this site and the nature of the work means they are often very close to traffic.

“Safety is our number one priority and we take every precaution to make sure our workers and road users remain safe, but drivers also have a major role to play.

“We would urge all drivers on this section of the A1 to drive carefully and within the speed limit.

“This message is particularly important with the winter weather approaching.”

Maria Fothergill, whose farm at Sinderby adjoins the roadworks, said traffic speeding through the roadworks was “intimidating”, as she has to drive straight onto the A1 when leaving her home.

She said: “I wish all drivers would realise that these road workers are trying to build a bigger, better road. They should realise that they are putting people’s lives at risk by breaking the speed limit.”

Traffic constable Peter Broadhead, of North Yorkshire Police, said officers were enforcing the 50mph speed limit and a number of offenders had already been prosecuted for breaking it.

Work on the project began in March and is expected to be completed by spring 2012.