NEARLY 35,000 drivers were caught speeding on the M27 through smart motorway works - with around £1m in fines imposed.

Average speed cameras clocked some 34,667 drivers speeding at more than the 50mph limit in a three-year period between junctions four and 11.

National Highways lifted the restriction in February this year after it was imposed in February 2019.

Now Hampshire police data seen by the Daily Echo reveals the extent of speeding on the motorway stretch.

Simon Gomer, of the Joint Operations Road Policing Unit, said: “The 50mph limit on the M27 was not just in place for the safety of all road users, but also for the safety of the workers operating along the motorway.

“Driving at excessive and inappropriate speeds can have catastrophic consequences and cause devastation for families and loved ones of those involved in collisions as a result.

“The speed limit is exactly that, and not a target. There is no such thing as safe speeding and it may be that it is more appropriate to travel at a lower speed depending on the road conditions at any given time.”

Read more: This is why a camera on the M27 flashed multiple cars at the weekend

Police said 13,234 people avoided a fine and points by undertaking a speed awareness course.

Some 9,453 people were fined - meaning at least £945,300 worth of fines were imposed.

And 5,146 people were prosecuted - including for failing to comply with fines and other out-of-court disposals.

Police said 4,983 drivers had their speeding tickets cancelled, and this included foreign drivers and emergency vehicles caught by cameras.

National Highways completed the controversial £244m scheme this spring. It was started before Government halted further smart motorway conversion works over concerns about hard shoulders being removed.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "At National Highways safety is our top priority, and our vision is for everyone who travels on our network to get home safe and well.

"We are committed to working to reduce road risk with the aim of ensuring no-one is harmed when travelling or working on our network and are always looking for ways to improve safety and reduce the potential risk to roadworkers.

“We will continue to engage with local road users through our work as part of road safety partnerships across the region with organisations such as police forces, fire and rescue services, and other highway authorities."

Police said 1,851 drivers still had active cases open for speeding on the stretch.

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