The number of drivers caught exceeding the 70mph limit on the Sheppey Crossing has dropped two years after average-speed cameras were installed.

Figures from police show an average of 98 motorists a month were snapped by the cameras in the past year, from May 2018.

That compares to an average of 167 drivers a month in the first year since the switch-on on May 30, 2017.

The latest figures show the most motorists were caught last June, with 153 vehicles speeding. The lowest number of drivers – just 17 – were snapped in December.

It brings the total during the second year since the cameras were operational to 1,178 – 828 fewer than the first year.

More people were, once again, caught speeding driving onto the Island, rather than off it, although not by much: a total of 590 drivers Sheppey-bound, compared to 588 heading towards Sittingbourne.

The equipment was installed in March 2017, as part of a £350,000 scheme after Highways England completed a safety review of the bridge.

This saw the 70mph limit reinstated, with the cameras going live two months later.

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: “All round this scheme is showing good compliance and a good safety record, which would validate its continued success.”

"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.

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