More than 2,000 motorists have been caught by average-speed cameras on the Sheppey Crossing since they were switched on a year ago.

Figures from police show an average of 167 drivers a month were snapped by the cameras since May last year.

The most motorists were caught last July, with 292 drivers exceeding the limit, and the lowest number of drivers – just 35 – were stopped in December.

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It brings the total during the first year the cameras were switched on to 2,006 motorists.

More people were caught speeding driving onto the Island, rather than off it: a total of 1,139 drivers Sheppey-bound, compared to 867 heading towards Sittingbourne.

The equipment was installed in March last year, as part of a £350,000 scheme after Highways England completed a 17-month safety review of the bridge.

This created a 70mph limit with the cameras going live in May.

These measures replaced a temporary 50mph limit imposed in July 2015, following an inquest into the deaths of mother and son Deborah and Marshall Roberts.

Despite the intention to slow traffic down to make it safer, the accident rate increased.

A spokesman for the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, which manages the cameras, said: “Average speed cameras result in high levels of compliance.

“Based on last year’s traffic flow data, in excess of 10 million vehicles use this crossing every year, and such low offence numbers, coupled with a good crash record, clearly shows the success of this scheme.”

Those doing up to 86mph may receive a conditional offer of three points and a £100 fine, or a speed awareness course.

Between 86mph and 95mph people may be offered the conditional offer of three points and a £100 fine, but offences over 95mph will see drivers summonsed to court.