Hundreds of drivers of foreign-registered vehicles have got away with speeding on the M20 contraflow, it has emerged.

Police says they have not pursued motorists from other countries who exceed the temporary 50mph limit between Junction 9 at Ashford and Junction 8 at Maidstone because officers are unable to identify then.

More than 900 motorists from the UK were issued with £100 fines over a seven-week period between April - when the contraflow was first implemented - and the end of May as part of Brexit contingency plans.

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In contrast, 400 foreign registered vehicles caught speeding over the same period evaded the fines.

The contraflow involves traffic using two lanes on the M20 London-bound with a 50mph speed restriction.

It has stayed in place despite the fact the deadline for Brexit has now been extended to the end of October.

Police said in response: “Kent Police do not issue Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIPs) to foreign-registered vehicles when caught speeding by camera, therefore, no subsequent fixed penalty or fine can be issued.

"This is because it is not possible to trace the registered keeper of the vehicle due to such vehicles not being registered with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

"As such the driver cannot be identified."

The force added: "These vehicles are monitored and repeat vehicles are investigated and may be targeted by local police teams to obtain the driver’s name and address."

However, the force said it had not yet pursued any such repeat offenders.

Many motorists have complained the lanes being used on the contraflow are too narrow and that foreign HGVs routinely exceed the limit, making them feel unsafe.

Last week it was revealed an order by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is the reason why the barrier and speed limits will remain in place on the M20 until October.

WATCH: Reaction as M20 barriers to remain in place until Brexit deal found

Ashford MP Damian Green said he was appalled and would write to the chief constable seeking an explanation.

"This is unacceptable. Everyone who uses that part of the M20 can tell you how they have been overtaken by foreign lorries who do not obey the speed limit," he told KentOnline.

"The idea that they can do so with impunity sends out the wrong message."

He said it ought not to be impossible to use technology to identify commercial vehicles from outside the UK or share information with police forces in other countries.

Motoring groups have expressed surprise at the failure to pursue motorists from outside the UK.

Philip Gomm of the RAC Foundation said: "Turning a blind eye to speeding drivers, of whatever nationality, sends out the wrong message about what is acceptable on Kent's roads.

"Enforcement need not be at the roadside but at the ports.

"If cameras are used to detect offending then couldn't the penalty be issued at entry and exit points?

"The mere threat of it would quickly act as a deterrent."

An EU directive introduced in 2017 was supposed to make it easier for member states to chase motorists who had committed a range of offences, including speeding.

The directive compels member states to exchange the identity of the registered keeper or owner of a vehicle - as opposed to the identity of the driver - at the time of the offence.

However, the UK runs a driver liability system whereas the directive is based on keeper liability.

For police forces, that may make it more difficult obtaining information on drivers if they are from another member state.

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