POLICE have launched a crackdown on dangerous driving and officers across Sussex are out catching irresponsible road users.

Earlier this week, they were joined by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne on a roadside in Rushlake Green near Heathfield, a notorious 30mph zone where drivers have been clocked reaching speeds of up to 68mph.

In under an hour, they registered 12 drivers, some doing 48mph.

The force said they will all be issued “a stronger warning letter than before” and could face a visit from their local police officer – or a £2,000 fine.

In what the police are hailing a “week of action”, 275 community speed-watch teams across Sussex are expecting to send some 5000 warning letters.

Ms Bourne said: “Safety on our roads remains a top priority for residents.

“Sussex Police have invested and strengthened their roads policing unit over the last year as a result, working with partners on successful engagement, education and enforcement campaigns like this operation. I was pleased to see some of the specialist roads policing officers on duty today alongside community speed-watch volunteers, actively engaging with the public and being a visible deterrent to those who think they can use our roads irresponsibly.”

Under the coronavirus lockdown, 23,163 cars have been caught speeding in Sussex. Police say drivers have been “using the roads as a racetrack with no fear of reprimand”.