11:49AM, Thu Jul 19, 2012

Police Warning: Zero Tolerance Crackdown On A1 50mph Zone

By Ruth Holliday Location: A1, Gateshead

Video: Your view - do drivers obey the 50mph section of the A1?

Police are warning motorists they will be stepping up patrols on a 50mph section of the A1 where the speed limit is frequently ignored.

The stretch between the Blaydon Bridge and the Angel of the North was changed to a 50mph zone in 2011.

Traffic officers will launch an operation in August, applying a zero tolerance approach to anyone breaking the limit.

Chief Inspector Sarah Pitt from Northumbria Police Road Safety Unit said: "Mobile speed cameras will be set up at different points on the road throughout the operation and high visibility signs are being erected by the Highways agency to raise awareness.

"Extra roads policing officers will be patrolling the Western bypass. They will be stopping speeding motorists and they will also act as a visible deterrent.

"The speed limit in that area was changed for a reason. It is in place to protect road users and help ease traffic flow at peak times.

"Since the change we have seen a reduction in the number of collisions on the A1 and a noted difference in the flow of the road at busiest times."