Police 'hugely disappointed' after 44 motorists caught speeding in traffic operation

Hawke's Bay Police are "hugely disappointed" after 44 motorists were caught speeding in a temporary 50 km/h area on a road in Havelock North yesterday.

The motorists were stopped during a recent operation by the Traffic Alcohol Group on Waimarama Road.

The drivers, who were stopped by police between 6.20 and 8.20am yesterday, clocked speeds between 62 and 98km/h.

The temporary speed limit has been in place for several months, police say.

All 44 motorists who were stopped received fines and demerit points.

One driver was slapped with a $630 fine and 50 demerit points.

Traffic Alcohol Group Sergeant Steven Murray says a speeding motorist was detected "nearly every two-and-a-half minutes".

"These results are extremely disappointing, both in terms of the sheer number of drivers and the speeds they were travelling," Sergeant Murray said.

"They are putting themselves and other road users in harm's way. Excess speed is one of the major contributors to serious injury and fatalities on our roads."

Police will continue to patrol the area and to educate motorists about the importance of road safety.