Christened 'the long eye of the law' a long-range camera being used by Gloucestershire Police is having an impact - but where is it?

In less than a month more than 1,000 speeding offences have been recorded with the worst offender clocked at 126 mph.

Tailgating, use of a mobile phone, vehicle plate offences and failure to use a seatbelt are among the other offences recorded - which also include one drugs-related and one 'ammunition and offensive weapon seizure'.

The operation, called Indemnis (Latin for unhurt or undamaged) centred on the A417/419, described by police as "a major strategic route carrying up to 35,000 vehicles a day".

The dual carriageway links Gloucestershire with Wiltshire and the M4 and M5 motorways. It also has one of the worst accident records, according to the police.

Martin Surl, police and crime commissioner (PCC), said: "This is not about bashing the motorist. I'm just as pleased to see police were there to help drivers in trouble as well as being able to challenge those breaking the law.

"Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road. This is a new model of collaborative roads policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere".

Gloucestershire Constabulary is due to take back control of local roads policing in April 2019.

Police officers have also been on hand to give assistance to 10 drivers who broke down and another 10 who needed help for other reasons.

"My police and crime plan has always been about creating a change of culture on our roads. Making them safer, naturally, but also affecting the way drivers relate to the law and each other," said Mr Surl.

"With our current Tri-force arrangement with Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset coming to an end next year, local roads policing will return to local control, giving us the opportunity to do that".

Op Indemnis stats:

The camera was deployed at 35 different sites along the A417 during November:

• 1,293 speeding offences were detected, of which 10 were speeding at 100mph or more (highest 126mph)

• 32 other offences detected including 5 tailgating (due care), 1 mobile phone usage, 19 vehicle plate offences and 7 seatbelt offences.

• Drivers given education/warnings/advice: 52

• Positive Breath Tests: 1

• Positive Drugs Wipe: 1

• Vehicles seized (No Insurance): 6

• Vehicles seized (No Tax): 6

• Traffic Offence Reports: 7

• VDRS: 1*

• Suspected Insurance offences (pending): 2

• RTCs attended: 3

• Drivers assisted (breakdowns): 10

• Drivers assisted (other): 10

• Drugs Seizure: 1

• Ammunition and offensive weapon seizure: 1