More than 400 drivers have been caught speeding through new A12 roadworks - in just four days.

All the motorists now face fines for ignoring temporary 40mph limits between Boreham and Hatfield Peverel.

The cameras and signs were put up on Saturday marking the start of £6 million resurfacing work on the worn-out road on both carriageways.

Brian Ladd, senior traffic management officer for Essex Police, said: "We want to change public opinion towards speeding, making it as social unacceptable as drink driving.

"Camera enforcement is not about issuing large numbers of tickets. It is about safety and changing drivers' behaviour."

The county's roads have claimed 100 lives so far this year but Essex Police said the latest fatal accident on the A12 at Marks Tey yesterday, in which a Colchester man died, was followed by motorists speeding up at the roadworks to make up time rather than slowing down.

She said: "This is dangerous, speeding causes accidents and causes loss of life."

Drivers caught speeding face fines of up to £1,000. Speed cameras will be in place while work is carried out - expected to last till the end of March, with a break from December 22 to January 10.

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