The number of drivers caught speeding on the Sheppey Crossing has increased since lockdown started, new figures show.

In total, the number of motorists snapped by the cameras in the year to May fell to 1,111 - down 67 on the previous year.

It is a fall of nearly half since they were first switched on, on May 30, 2017.

But despite the county being under strict instructions to stay at home and only travel if essential in April, the number of drivers flouting the 70mph limit actually rose compared to the same month last year - up from 83 to 145.

Last month, albeit when the lockdown restrictions had eased, more speeders were recorded travelling off the Island than in any other month.

Figures from police show an average of 85 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.

The latest figures show the most motorists were caught last June, with 135 vehicles speeding. No drivers at all were snapped in February - the first time that has happened.

Unlike the trend in previous years, more people were caught speeding while driving off the Island than onto it - 451 drivers Sheppey-bound, compared to 660 heading towards Sittingbourne.

The cameras were installed three years ago as part of a £350,000 scheme after Highways England completed a safety review of the bridge.

A spokesman for the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, which manages the cameras, said: “Research has shown excellent compliance rates where average speed systems are installed, where only around 1:10,000 vehicles are issued an offence notice, provided the scheme is well designed and appropriate.

“This is the case for Sheppey Crossing, and coupled with a good crash record, this clearly shows the continued success of the scheme.”

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 it is three points and a £100 fine, but offences over 95mph will see drivers summonsed to court.

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