Rise in drivers speeding in North Yorkshire during lockdown - including 111mph recorded on the A64

North Yorkshire Police say the number of people speeding as coronavirus restrictions have tightened has increased, with some spotted at almost twice the speed limit.

Since lockdown began, speeds of 111mph have been recorded on the A64 near Malton.

And police have criticised the “stupidity” of drivers who have reached almost 60mph in 30mph limits in some areas, including Ryedale.

Officers are warning speeding is even more dangerous during lockdown because there are higher numbers of pedestrians.

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Criminal justice manager Andy Tooke said: “Since Lockdown II began, we’ve seen a marked increase in the number of motoring offences we’ve captured. We’ve also seen some terrible driving, particularly in our communities.

“These are places where children are going to school, and residents are going on walks – yet some motorists are barrelling through these towns and villages at lethal speeds.

“At a time when communities are doing everything they can to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, driving through 30mph areas at twice the speed limit is sheer stupidity.

“It’s also illegal and we are responding robustly to enforce the law and keep residents and road users safe.”

Safety camera vehicles are being deployed to key locations in residential areas where a large number of lawbreaking motorists have already been dealt with.

Motorists who far exceed the speed limit are not offered speed awareness courses – they are dealt with through the court system instead.

North Yorkshire Police launched a crackdown on speeding during the first lockdown after concerned residents reported hugely excessive speeds in their communities.

Police said they dealt with motorists doing twice the 30pmh speed limit in some areas and drivers doing speeds of more than 130mph on some busy A-roads.