More than half the number of drivers monitored by police on a stretch of road in north Cumbria were speeding.

Police say a staggering 20,950 drivers were registered above the 30mph limit on the A7 past Longtown Community Centre on the edge of the town.

The force says it carried out a speed survey – where they monitor traffic – on this stretch of road over a week.

The results of the survey showed that, of the 40,692 cars that travelled on that stretch of road, 51 per cent of them were travelling above the 30mph limit.

Community leaders have called for flashing warning signs to go up to warn speeding drivers.

In a separate move focusing on the road, police carried out seven one-hour police speeding crackdowns. During these, more than 300 motorists were caught breaking the limit.

A police spokesman said: “The average speed during the period of the survey was 36mph, with it being higher for southbound traffic (38mph).

“Drivers tend to accelerate once they pass the A7 and Albert Street junction, speeding past a busy junction, the community centre and a crossing.

“It must be understood that the 30mph limit does not end until drivers pass the terminal sign and enter the national speed limit.”

Police say the area was monitored between 8am and 7pm, taking in every day of the week. The spokesman added: “Greater emphasis was given during the rush hours and school run times of the day.

“This has been a long-term issue with the number of complaints increasing in the past two years.

“The safety camera team will visit two to three times a month until there is a greater compliance with the speed limit.

“If speeding continues to be detected at this rate, we will work together with partner agencies through the Cumbria Roads Safety Partnership, to see if any further preventative measures could be put in place.”

Councillors have spoken out on the issue in recent weeks.

Councillor Val Tarbitt, who represents Longtown on Cumbria County Council, described the number of people caught as “a wake-up call to Longtown”.

Ray Bloxham, Carlisle City councillor for Longtown, said it had proven what the parish council and residents had been saying for a long time.