Over 13,000 caught speeding in Cotswolds roadworks

National Highways warned of the danger posed to their workers

More than 13,000 drivers have been prosecuted for speeding through major roadworks in the Cotswolds.

National Highways warned drivers to "kill their speed, not one of our workers" after thousands were caught speeding through temporary 40mph zones in the A417 Missing Link project, between Brockworth and Cowley, near Gloucester.

Average speed cameras were installed in 2024 and Gloucestershire Police is responsible for enforcing penalties.

"For the sake of shaving an extra minute or two off their journey times, some drivers are putting their own safety and the safety of roadworkers at risk," said Celine Acard, senior project manager for National Highways.

She explained: "Tens of thousands of people use these sections of the A417 every day.

"Our staff and contractors are working around the clock to complete this project as quickly as possible, and they're entitled to do that safely without the threat of being maimed or killed by someone recklessly speeding through the roadworks," she added.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans, who is also chair of Gloucestershire's Road Safety Partnership, said: "Too many people are killed and seriously injured on Gloucestershire's roads.

He added: "Which is why the road safety partnership are specifically targeting dangerous behaviours and places on our road network to prevent more families from suffering the heartache of losing a loved one on our roads.

"Please allow a little more time for your journey and think of the workers by the side of the road who, just like you, have families that are expecting them home."

The A417 Missing Link has two 40mph sections, the first between Elkstone junction and Nettleton bottom, and the other between the A46 and Air Balloon roundabout.

Drivers who are caught speeding face a £100 fine and three points on their driving licence.

The A417 Missing Link project is a £460m landscape-led National Highways scheme that will upgrade three miles (4.8km) of the road to a dual carriageway.

It is due to be completed in September 2027.