RESIDENTS are being warned about speed restrictions along the A338 after more people have been caught out by its average speed cameras.

The Spur Road, which has ongoing carriageway improvement works until June, has seen over 200 more people caught speeding from December 18 to January 4.

Dorset Police confirmed notices of intended prosecution had been issued for 203 driving offences during this period, when the road was back to four lanes to help boost Christmas trade, but still had the 40mph speed limit in place.

It follows the 746 tickets issued by the police from October 15 to December 17.

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for environment, said: “The speed restrictions are in place to protect the workforce and to try and keep traffic flowing. Lane closures and speed limits are legal and enforceable so I’d remind drivers to take notice of both.

“I know this can be frustrating, but driving at this pace means that it is safer for drivers too, as the central safety barrier and verge barriers are incomplete.”

The money generated by fines imposed - using the Vysionics-operated cameras - will go back to central Government.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: “Drivers are reminded that traffic enforcement cameras are currently in operation on the A338 while Dorset County Council carries out major road maintenance works.

“The speed limit of 40mph is in place for the safety of workers and due to the contraflow and narrowing of the lanes.”

Over the last week Ashley Heath interchange has been at its most busy since the roundabout was partially closed at the beginning of January, commuters claim.

The council says poor weather conditions have forced more motorists to use the main route to and from Bournemouth, as opposed to smaller roads, causing significant delays at the diversion of Ringwood roundabout at the A31 which now receives both eastbound and westbound traffic.

Works at Wattons Lane to reprofile the verges and improve the stability of the drainage ditches saw an additional 800 yards of lane closure southbound installed last week which also caused some disruption.

It’s due to remain in place for the rest of phase 2 and part of phase 3 and works to rebuild the top end of the southbound carriageway are expected to be in full swing from Monday.