A NEW crackdown on drivers who flout speed limits in the New Forest has caught nearly 700 drivers in just one month.

Police have vowed to cut out the number of animal accidents in the forest by using a new infrared camera that can photograph vehicles at night, which is when many of the collisions occur.

A total of 680 motorists were caught breaking the 30mph and 40mph speed limits in October – the first month of the year-long project.

A police spokesman said most of the drivers would be offered a place on a speed awareness course as an alternative to prosecution.

A police spokesman said: “This activity has targeted evening commuting times when the greatest number of animals are injured.”