A WOMAN caught driving at 75mph in a 50mph zone told police she was speeding because she was late for church.

Officers from the ‘no excuse’ road safety campaign carried out a targeted operation along the A31 yesterday evening.

On the Dorset side of the border, 115 motorists were detected speeding, seven were caught using hand held devices, four were reported for not wearing seatbelts, one was caught driving without an MOT and one was reported for driving without due care and attention.

Head of Dorset Police Traffic, chief inspector Tim Lumley, said: “It was a good opportunity to work with colleagues from Hampshire responding to concerns from the public on a road that crosses the border of both counties.

“I believe the majority of drivers do not set out to break the law, however for a minority it is a wilful disregard for the safety of other road users, pedestrians and indeed themselves.

“We will continue to police the roads based on intelligence through enforcement and education, whichever is appropriate.”

Brian Austin, project manager for the ‘no excuse’ campaign, added: “The attitude of those stopped by officers in the majority was good and the way officers dealt with them was well received.

“Most of those stopped understood they had committed offences and did not offer any argument.

“If we can get those caught on the Driver Awareness Scheme (DAS) course and offer some guidance on safer driving, everyone benefits.”