An average of 35 drivers a day have been caught speeding along the A12 in the first two months of a new speed camera scheme – with one motorist clocked at 117mph.

East Anglian Daily Times: Average speed cameras on the A12 between East Bergholt and DedhamAverage speed cameras on the A12 between East Bergholt and Dedham

Cameras were installed along the road between Dedham and East Bergholt in a bid to reduce speeds and improve safety through Hughes Corner on the Essex/Suffolk border.

The system, which monitors a vehicle’s average speed, went live on October 10 and is enforced by Suffolk Constabulary.

In the remaining days of October 644 motorists were caught breaking the 70mph speed limit.

A further 991 were caught between November 1-25 when the figures were taken, following a Freedom of Information request by the East Anglian Daily Times.

It means 1,635 people have been caught speeding in 47 days.

The highest speed recorded was 117mph, almost 50mph over the limit.

Most of the offences are still being processed, but so far six cases have been referred to court and 31 drivers issued with fines.

Inspector Julian Ditcham, of Suffolk & Norfolk’s Roads Policing and Firearms Operations Unit, said: “It is disappointing to see a significant number of drivers have been caught speeding.

“We know speed is one of the fatal four driving offences and the role it plays in both fatal and serious road traffic collisions should not be underestimated.

“The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death.

“The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to react if something unexpected happens and at 117mph you are likely to pose a significant hazard to other road users as well as putting your own safety at risk.

“Our aim is to reduce the amount of casualties on the county’s roads and we will continue to do this through enforcement campaigns, education and the use of fixed and mobile cameras.”

The other so-called fatal four offences, those most likely to lead to death or serious injury in a road crash, are drink or drug-driving, using a mobile phone, or not wearing a seatbelt.