A TYNE Valley councillor has called on drivers to obey speed limits following a number of complaints.

County Councillor Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said he had been contacted by a number of residents concerned at the speed of cars on busy roads.

Coun. Stewart said residents had commented on the speed of drivers in the town.

He said: “Roads are not so busy at the moment which is good to see.

“The air is better and noise has been reduced.

“The number of collisions has gone down, which has many benefits including reducing the burden upon the NHS.

“But we are being told by residents that they believe some vehicles are being driven around the town at excessive speed.

“The police will be monitoring this issue.

“Please remember to only make essential journeys and stay at home as much as you can.”

Speeding offences are rising across the country, with one driver caught doing six times the limit last year.

Police data for 2019 has revealed that the number of recorded offences rose seven per cent year-on-year, with predictions that 2020 could see a further rise despite lockdown conditions.

A total of 2.5 million drivers were caught speeding in 2019, racking up at least £250m in fines.