Sussex drivers greeted yesterday's launch of a new police crackdown on speeding with dismay.

Until now, police have been turning a blind eye to motorists doing up to 37mph in 30mph zones, but from yesterday the tolerance level has been sliced to 35mph.

Shoreham traffic officer PC Helen Thompson said: "I stopped two, both doing 41 in a 30mph zone in the Old Shoreham Road.

"One said we were being outrageous and the other thought the clampdown was harsh."

Her traffic police colleague, PC Tony Omotoso, said: "One or two motorists stopped said they supported the idea, but they were in a minority."

Superintendent Jim Hammond, head of the Sussex Police traffic division, said the campaign was aimed at saving lives and preventing crashes.

He said: "If you hit someone doing 40mph they will die, while at 35mph they stand a better chance."

Supt Hammond said the crackdown had caught many motorists by surprise. "The Argus published the story last week and radio stations were carrying the item yesterday morning.

He said: "One woman driver breaking the limit burst into tears when she was stopped.

"She said she heard a news broadcast on the radio minutes earlier and she had seen our speed-check signs prior to being stopped - and still she exceeded the limit. I'm afraid I have no sympathy."

PCs Thompson and Omotoso were in Kingsway on Hove seafront yesterday with a speed camera.

PC Thompson said: "Drivers think we are being petty and ask why we are not out catching burglars instead.

"Well, we are. How do burglars travel around?"

Hard facts usually stop the moans.

Nine people have died on the Brighton and Hove seafront road in recent years and speeding was a major factor in many of the crashes.

PC Thompson said: "We are trying to make speeding as anti-social as drink driving. It will take time, but we will get there."

Until then, the two PCs and their traffic colleagues will have to put up with a variety of excuses speeding drivers come up with.

PC Thompson said: "The funniest was from a woman who said she was in a hurry to get to a petrol station because she was running out of fuel."

Speeding drivers face fixed penalty fines of £40 and three penalty points.

Fines are expected to go up to £60 in September.

In addition, police are also stepping up enforcement of the seat belt law.

Traffic officers are no longer cautioning drivers for not wearing belts and instead are dishing out £20 fixed penalties.