More than 14,000 motorists were caught speeding through Suffolk’s two sections of average speed cameras in 2017, it has been confirmed.

But while motorists using the A14 over the Orwell Bridge do seem to be getting the message about the cameras, those using the A12 on the Suffolk/Essex border still appear to be determined to flout the law.

The total figures for motorists caught speeding on those roads have now been published – and show that 10,245 were caught on the A12 and 3,818 exceeded the 60mph speed limit on the Orwell Bridge.

There was a considerable drop in the numbers of people caught speeding in December at both locations – probably because of the poor weather this winter.

In 2016 a total of 10,675 were caught on the A12 – meaning that number dropped by just 430 in 2017.

However on the Orwell Bridge the fall was dramatic. The cameras were introduced in July 2016 and between then and the end of the year 6,146 motorists were caught. The figure for the whole of 2017 was less than two-thirds of that number.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore welcomed the Orwell Bridge figures: “That is a significant fall. It is still too many – but it does look as if the message is getting across.”

But the A12 figures worried him: “I just don’t understand how more than 1,000 motorists can be that stupid.

“Those cameras are not there to police a speed reduction. They are there to enforce the national speed limit of 70mph and it is a very dangerous section of the road.”

Mr Passmore said the reduction in number of vehicles speeding across the Orwell Bridge appeared to have reduced the number of accidents on that stretch of the road.

He said: “At the moment that is just anecdotal – we don’t have any figures in yet. But I strongly suspect they will show that number of accidents on the bridge has fallen since the cameras became operational.”

Sgt Scott Lee-Amies from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “We are very pleased to see this reduction in offending in both locations and we remain committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on Suffolk roads; this is done through enforcement campaigns, education or the use of fixed and mobile cameras.

“Speed is one of the ‘fatal four’ main contributing factors to people being killed or seriously injured on the road. The faster you are travelling, the less time you will have to react to unforeseen hazards. Speed limits are in place for a reason; to reduce casualties and keep the roads safe for everyone.”