Police have warned drivers to stick to th limit after a clampdown snared more than 50 motorists speeding on a stretch of road in only three hours.

Traffic officers caught 55 drivers breaking the speed limit in Bradford Road, Idle – one every three minutes – during the crackdown.

A spokesman for Eccleshill Neighbourhood Team, which carried out the Speedwatch initiative, said officers were “amazed” that eight of the drivers they stopped did not know the road had a 30mph speed limit.

Motorists were clocked doing up to 43mph on the busy stretch of road.

Sergeant Ged Sharp, of the NPT, said: “Amazingly eight people stopped to tell us they were unaware of the speed limit on this part of Bradford Road.

“Advice was given that in a built-up area where there are street lamps, unless told otherwise, you must assume it is a 30mph limit.

“We will not accept excuses from people that they didn’t know the correct speed limit.”

The drivers who were caught speeding will now be sent a Speedwatch Advice Notice warning them that they have been seen speeding, Sgt Sharp said.

Further Speedwatches will be carried out in the area and, if they are caught speeding again they will face prosecution, he added.

The exercise on Monday was carried out after residents living in the Bradford Road area complained about motorists breaking the limit.

Sgt Sharp said: “Residents can play their part by letting us know if there is a particular problem road in their area.”

Anyone with information should contact Eccleshill Police Station on 0845 6060606.