More than 40 motorists have become the first to be caught speeding on the Sheppey Crossing in just over a week.

Average speed cameras went live on Tuesday, May 30 – nearly three months after they were installed.

Yesterday, police said 42 drivers had been caught exceeding the national speed limit in eight days.

The cameras were put in place in March as part of a £350,000 scheme after Highways England completed a 17-month safety review.

The equipment calculates the average speed of vehicles going on and off the bridge and enforces a 70mph limit, which replaced a temporary 50mph limit that ended on March 21.

The system passes images and details of any offenders it records straight to police for processing.

The cameras are in the process of being handed over to the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, which will then have responsibility of them.

A spokesman said: “We have been informed by Kent Police that they have processed 42 offences since May 30, when camera enforcement started.”

When asked why it has taken so long to turn the cameras on, he added: “The installation, calibration, testing and certification takes quite a time, but it’s vital that everything is absolutely correct before any enforcement takes place.”

A 50mph maximum was imposed on the bridge and its approaches in July 2015 following an inquest into the deaths of mother and son Deborah and Marshall Roberts.

However, it was discovered the accident rate had increased since introducing the lower limit.

There are also plans to install variable message signs, a weather station to monitor wind and fog, and CCTV to further improve the crossing’s safety.

Once these are added, the bill is expected to hit £2 million.