AN INCREDIBLE 300 motorists have been caught speeding on Dorset's A338 spur road since road works began there.

One driver was clocked doing more than 90mph during an earlier check which prompted the latest crackdown.

The 300 were all victims of a mobile safety camera, which was set up on the approach to the A338/B3073 Blackwater Junction to slow traffic and protect road workers.

Pat Garrett, head of fixed penalties for the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, said: "These results clearly show that far too many motorists are speeding through this section of road and are endangering the lives of the maintenance workers preparing for this extensive programme of repairs.

"The Dorset Camera Partnership is focused on reducing fatal and serious injury on Dorset's roads. Our main concern here is the safety of the maintenance workers and that they can complete these road works in a safe environment. Hopefully after reading this, people will slow down at the site."

A mobile camera was set up on the route after a half-hour check in late August revealed 40 motorists heading towards Ringwood breaking the 50mph speed limit.

The experiment was done after the dual carriageway had been prepared for the roadworks and reduced to a single lane.

The 14-week programme of essential repair work to worn- out surfaces and bridges at the junction began on September 5 and saw the closure of the slip roads at the junction and the B3073 Hurn Road.

Diversions via the Cooper Dean roundabout, Castle Lane East, Barrack Road, The Grove and Hurn Road have been set up, but have led to lengthy delays for rush-hour commuters.

Dorset County Council's head of highways, Dave Gibbs, said: "We are happy there is a camera there because we believe it is a priority to protect our workforce as well as other motorists."

First published: September 17