Drivers in Kent were caught speeding almost 90,000 times last year – an increase of a quarter.

According to new data from Kent Police, officers issued 25% more speeding tickets than 2016.

It equates to about 247 drivers being flashed each day.

Cameras captured motorists past limit more than 56,000 times through police vans as well as devices by the side of the road including at red lights.

Volunteers at Speedwatch found cars speeding 32,000 times across the county.

More than 5,300 letters were sent to drivers who violated the speed limits, ranging from 20 to 40 miles per hour.

Out of those offences, 91 were enforced and sent to the volunteer special constabulary.

At the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday (April 25), Cllr Nick Chard applauded the force for supporting volunteers at Speedwatch to help keep roads safe.

He said: “When I talk to the people who run Speedwatch, there was a real sense of support from Kent Police.

“The teams say they feel empowered because letters are being sent out, even hand delivered letters by the police.”

“Road safety is an issue of great concern for the public and whenever I go to a town meeting I can guarantee that it is an issue that always comes up..." - Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: “Kent Police’s ethos is to do more to help volunteers because if you are giving time to the force, they should give something back.

“Kent Police are doing more to recognise volunteers in the way in which they are supporting individuals.

“My office has also provided more resources for those teams as well as Kent County Council.”

He added following the rise in tax, Kent Police are recruiting more police officers in the road safety team.

He said: “Road safety is an issue of great concern for the public and whenever I go to a town meeting I can guarantee that it is an issue that always comes up.

“Not just speeding on the motorways but also on their local roads.

“This needs to be addressed to keep people safe on the road but also to disrupt any criminality that is taking place by the use of the Kent road network.”