DRIVERS caught doing double the speed limit on a temporary link road at Royal Wootton Bassett will have to explain themselves to magistrates.

The road, nicknamed by locals Waste of £3.25 Billion Street, was opened just two months ago to save drivers a diversion of more than 30 miles while Network Rail rebuilds two bridges as part of its electrification programme.

Even before the first cars were allowed through, residents voiced fears over speeding and the height of the road.

Earlier this week Royal Wootton Bassett Police caught three speeders in a short space of time, with one driver recorded driving at 60mph – twice the 30mph limit.

“One ticket was issued and two drivers were reported for speeding. Due to their high speeds tickets were not considered suitable,” they said.

“The road is clearly signed and these speeds will not be tolerated.”

One nearby resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I wasn’t surprised when I saw the police had caught someone doing 60 mph. Every time I use it someone overtakes me. I think some idiots think it’s their own little personal race track.”

Another, whose house overlooks the road, said: “I was expecting it to happen.

"I know the road is a nuisance, but it is progress. The bridge has got to be done and at least they have built a road to help us out.”

Simon Doust, from Dunnington Road, said: “It is a nice bit of open road. I think a 30mph limit, considering what it is, is too low. But going 60mph is ridiculous.”

There were more reactions on social media.

“Just going to be a matter of time before a car ends up down the embankment,” said Sarah Eatwell.

Sharon Jones said: “We all know it won't be the only one.”

Wiltshire councillor Allison Bucknell praised the police for catching the speeders.

“As a council we have to put speed limits on there that are designed to be safe and enforceable,” she said.

“If you raise it to 40mph people will do 50.

“The danger is the elevation of the road, as opposed to the road surface.”

Speeding and inconsiderate driving were national problems and if people chose to ignore limits they would have to accept the consequences.

Once work on the Marlborough Road bridge and the Broad Town bridge is finished, Network Rail will turn its attention to the Bath Road bridge and the Hunts Mill bridge, which is listed so means the track has to be lowered.

All bridges are expected to re-open next spring.