More than 3,500 people have been caught speeding through roadworks on the M1 motorway in Northamptonshire in just two weeks."Unbelievably dangerous and irresponsible" driving has been criticised by police who said lives are being put in danger on one of the county's most dangerous stretches of road.
Police warned motorists that a temporary 50mph limit through the roadworks would be strictly enforced but since work began on 9 June 3,600 have been caught exceeding it.
Some were driving at more than 100mph - double the legal limit.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Kilpatrick said they were "hugely disappointed".
 People have been caught during the daytime and at night, many driving at unbelievably dangerous and irresponsible speeds  Chief Superintendent Stuart Kilpatrick |
He said the lower limit was essential to protect the workforce and motorists. "The limit and the fact that safety cameras are operating in the area is clearly signed.
"People have been caught during the daytime and at night, many driving at unbelievably dangerous and irresponsible speeds.
"Last year, two people died in collisions in roadworks in Northamptonshire and we are determined to prevent any further fatalities or injuries."
The roadworks are expected to continue for another seven or eight weeks and the limit would be rigorously enforced, he said.
Contractors for the Highways Agency are resurfacing a 28-kilometre (17.5-mile) stretch of the M1 southbound between junctions 13 and 15.
The M1 is one of Northamptonshire's most hazardous Red Routes - 50 people were killed or seriously injured on the county stretch in the two years between January 2000 and November 2002.
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