MOTORISTS have been rapped for ignoring speed limits after police set up a camera checkpoint in the New Forest.
Officers caught 12 motorists on the B3078 between Cadnam and Fordingbridge in just over two hours yesterday.
The offenders - all of them New Forest residents - were driving between 51mph and 62 mph despite a massive campaign to restrict cars to 40.
New Forest District Chief Inspector Gary Cooper said: "This is an ongoing campaign to raise awareness and to educate motorists that the speed limit is in place not just to protect the animals, but also them and their passengers.
"Although the number of deaths and injuries to roaming animals has fallen, it is disappointing to find that local motorists are still exceeding the speed limit.
"Even more disconcerting was the fact that one motorist when questioned could see nothing wrong with driving at close to 60mph."
In the eight week period since the last Stay under 40' operation, three road traffic incidents have been reported on New Forest roads involving animals. One of those resulted in an animal death.
It is a significant improvement from the beginning of the year when six animals died in six separate incidents during a five week period.
But despite the safety drive, police have warned motorists that random speed checks will continue in the coming months.
Hampshire Constabulary, Country Watch Sergeant, Louise Hubble said: "We appear to be getting our message through to motorists, but, there is a need to continue this campaign as this operation clearly highlights.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will carry out additional speed checks at various locations to assist in reducing the number of incidents on New Forest roads."
