SPEEDING drivers should be given heavier punishments, according to a survey of almost 3,000 people.

The poll, which was carried out by police and featured 2,680 voters, showed that 85 per cent supported stricter road traffic enforcement.

Alison Hernandez, Police Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall, said: “Far too many lives are being risked or ruined due to inconsiderate, dangerous drivers who have blatant disregard for their own safety and that of others when they ignore the law.

“The results of this survey send a clear message that road safety is important to our communities and they want to see more rigorous enforcement or our traffic laws."

Eighty per cent also voted for stronger penalties for those caught speeding.

A further 88 per cent also believed that a proportion of the money from fines should come locally for road safety initiatives and enforcement.

The survey comes after the number of deaths rose to 63 in the year of 2017 – an increase of 12 from the previous year. Hundreds further are seriously injured every year.

She added that she would call for the increase of fixed penalty fines for several traffic offences including speeding, passing the revenue on to local road safety measures.

Some offences received more severe punishments last year. The fine for drivers caught using mobile devices at the wheel doubled to £200 and six points and littering from a car also rose to a £150 fine.

Speeding however remained at £100 and three points.

A further breakdown of both survey responses can be found online at www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk.