SPEEDING motorists have been issued a warning as a police crackdown comes into force.

Thames Valley Police's Roads Policing Unit together with Hampshire Constabulary will be cracking down on motorists driving above the speed limit all this week.

The force said that on average speeding was a contributory factor in 20 per cent of all road deaths and 12 per cent of all serious casualties across the region.

The higher a driver's speed, the force said, the more likely the injuries to drivers or other road users would be severe or result in death.

Sgt Rob Heard, from the Roads Policing Unit said: "People need to realise it's a speed limit and not a target so it may be more appropriate to travel at a lower speed depending on the road conditions for their own safety.

"Drivers can become complacent about roads they are familiar with, causing them to be less alert to the road, and drive at a faster speed. "

"We are committed to increasing road safety and will continue to target those who fail to abide by the speed limits.

"Some people think it is ok to travel just a little over the speed limit.

"However a few miles an hour can make a significant difference to you reacting and being able to avoid a hazard or collision."

The police force said that drivers that hit a pedestrian at 40mph give them a survival chance of 10 per cent, whereas a pedestrian hit at 30mph has an 80 per cent chance of survival.

Commercial Vehicle drivers are also being reminded by Thames Valley Police that drivers of goods vehicles on certain roads are restricted to lower speeds and should not exceed these speeds.

Sgt Heard added: "Please drive appropriately, it's not worth the risk."