Crashes claim 49 lives on South Yorkshire roads

South Yorkshire Police is using the shock figure to warn of the danger of speeding.

The force is warning that speed enforcement work is being carried out across the county.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Speed is a major factor in many collisions, contributing to needless heartache for victims and families and increasing the strain on hard-pressed NHS resources.

"As part of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, South Yorkshire safety cameras aim to reduce this terrible and unnecessary toll by cutting the number of motorists exceeding the speed limits on our roads and running red lights.

"Although we do have the power to prosecute those who break the speed limit, we would rather persuade drivers to slow down - before they are caught on film.

"Nowadays, most members of the public would not dream of driving home after a few drinks at the pub. Our aim is to make speeding every bit as socially unacceptable as drink driving.

"You can help us to achieve our aim - and reduce the number of deaths and collisions on our roads. All you have to do is keep to the speed limit."