Speeding drivers taking advantage of the quieter roads, due to the Covid-19 lock down, have been warned they will be caught and prosecuted.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner, made the vow after a peninsula councillor called on him to tackle a perceived increase in speeding on our country roads, by what he described as 'Mr Toads'.

Alastair McCraw, Babergh district councillor and Brantham parish council chairman, wrote to Mr Passmore after receiving a number of complaints of increased cases of speeding, especially along the A137.

Anecdotal evidence by residents in other parts of the peninsula support the claims, more noticeable on roads which are quieter due to the Coronavirus lock down.

Cllr McCraw said: "It appears that since the coronavirus isolation policy came into place that some motorists are now are taking advantage of the open roads, acting as though the speed limits have been abolished.

"Vehicles are regularly travelling at speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour within 30 mph limits on the A137 through Brantham."

Mr Passmore said: "The Prime Minister's instruction is very clear, we should not be leaving our homes unless absolutely necessary and this naturally mean there are fewer vehicles and pedestrians out on our streets, which should have a positive impact on road safety during this critical time.

"However I'd like to warn anyone thinking they can take advantage of the clearer roads, Suffolk's roads policing team continues to enforce the 'Fatal Four' which includes speeding and if you are caught you will be prosecuted."

Writing in an open letter today, Cllr McCraw had told Mr Passmore: "The worst culprits appear to be older male drivers who appear to be road testing their sports cars and young male drivers.

"Only bus drivers and the occasional drivers stick to the speed limit. It appears the A137 is now being used as a rat run to avoid major roads where traffic may be monitored. Even the postmen are concerned about the risk to themselves and others.

"You may remember that I questioned speeding enforcement on the minor major roads like the A137 when you were presenting your precept proposals to Babergh & Mid Suffolk councils. I know all Suffolk officers are going to be very stretched right now, so there are probably higher priorities.

"It occurs to me though, that recent events have shown that if pressed people can modify their behaviour with the right level of publicity. Would it be an idea to send a press release out to address this point?

"Any accidents caused can only be a drain on police, fire and critically NHS resources. I'd suggest that 'Mr Toad' needs to be clearly described and put firmly in his place."

Speaking about the increased pressure on our emergency services at this time the PCC continued: "We all have a part to play in helping to reduce the impact on our emergency services – particularly the NHS – so I would implore everyone, if you do need to leave your home, take extra care to ensure you return safely.

"No driver should need to be told to stick to the speed limit, or to wear a seatbelt, not to use their phone and get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but sadly this message does need to be repeated, and no more importantly than now."

Suffolk police have a zero tolerance to any of 'fatal four' – which includes speeding, the others are not wearing seatbelt, drink/drug driving and using a mobile phone whilst driving; these are the four main causes of death and serious injury on our roads and the police vow they we will continue to do all they can to help reduce them – particularly at this critical time.

• Mr Toad is a character in 'Wind in the Willows' renowned for his reckless driving, which results in him being imprisoned.