TWENTY one motorists have received speeding fines after police carried out an operation on rural roads in a part of mid-Kent.

The £60 fines were issued to motorists travelling over the 30 to 40 mph limit in villages surrounding Maidstone, which included Boughton Monchelsea, Marden, East Farleigh and Nettlestead.

Speeding was identified as a key priority to tackle in these areas and the operation was set up as a direct result of police officers liaising with the community.

Rural sargeant Mick Hayes said: "I hope this operation sends out a message to motorists that excess speed will not be tolerated on our rural roads.

"It creates both a nuisance and a danger for residents.

"We are planning to carry out more checks in the near future so I issue a warning to motorists using rural roads to cut their speed or they could face a fine and points on their licence."

The highest speeds recorded were 56mph in a 40mph limit and 48mph in a 30mph limit.