The operation involved two police vans, which were equipped with high-tech cameras and were deployed at prime locations on roads with speed limits of 20, 30, 40, and 60mph.

Neighbourhood police were also joined by road safety teams to help crack down on dangerous driving during the operation.

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Shockingly, a few hours into the operation, 113 vehicles were recorded exceeding the mandatory speed limit, which could risk the safety of fellow road users.

Police Inspector Simon Andrews said: “Speeding can kill. Whether you hurt yourself, another road user or a pedestrian, your actions can have severe consequences.

“That’s why operations like these are so important, especially when communities tell the police that they have real concerns about road safety in a particular neighbourhood.”

Andrews explained that the force hoped that the presence of the police would encourage drivers to be more considerate of their speed. “I’d also like to thank the majority of drivers who kept to the speed limit,” he added.

Andrews continued, saying: “These types of operations can receive a bad reception, but if the consequence of deploying a speed camera van on the road means our actions will save a life now or in the future, then it’s absolutely worth it.

“So please, if you’re in a vehicle, just be aware of your speed and don’t go above the limit. They’re not there to be a nuisance, they’re there to keep you and other people safe.”

Under UK law, drivers can be fined a minimum penalty of £100 and three points for speeding. If a driver receives 12 or more points within three years, it may lead to them being disqualified from driving.

However, if the driver is taken to court, the penalties can be more severe, going up to as much as £2,500 if caught speeding on the motorway.

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However, the rules change slightly if the driver is newly qualified and they receive six points during the first two years after passing their test.

This could mean their driving licence will “automatically be cancelled” with motorists needing to go back and apply for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical tests again. Andrews explained that officers will continue to deploy speed camera vans in new locations at different times of day.

“If you have any concerns about speeding, please come forward and report them to us. We’re taking robust action to keep our roads safe,” he said.

Road safety remains a priority for Devon and Cornwall Police, with the force pledging to help tackle the Fatal Five, which includes speeding.

Other actions which form part of the Fatal Five list include careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding.

On top of being illegal and punishable with severe penalties, breaking the speed limit also breaches a vital Highway Code rule.

Rule 124 states: “You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.

“A speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, generally applies to all roads with street lights (excluding motorways) unless signs show otherwise.”