Almost two-thirds of all speeding offences issued by police officers occur on regional roads, latest figures show, with the Hills Fleurieu district the third worst.

In the past five years officers have detected 213,304 speeding offences of which 64 per cent – or 137,484 – were on regional roads, police figures obtained by RAA show.

Of the offences identified on regional roads, 46,226 resulted in a caution and 90,651 in fines.

Almost 20,000 of these offences were committed on Hills and Fleurieu roads.

The total non-camera fines issued by officers cost motorists $42,223,807.

Alarmingly, 1357 offences were for vehicles caught travelling 45km/h or more above the speed limit.

RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says motorists risk much more than a fine if they exceed the speed limit.

“Speeding – especially on roads with limits of 90km/h to 110km/h – can put not only you and your loved ones, but also other roads users at increased risk of death or serious injury,’’ he says.

“Motorists must also be aware of speed limit changes as they near towns or approach road works and adjust their speed accordingly.’’

Mr Mountain says despite the recent easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions, many South Australians are still holidaying in their home state during the school holidays.

“Roads in regional SA – especially those areas popular with holidaymakers – will be busier than normal from this weekend so we urge drivers to remain vigilant and exercise caution,’’ he says.

“If you’re planning on getting away, make sure you drive to the conditions, plan regular rest breaks and put your safety and that of other road users at the top of your driving agenda.’’

Number of motorists caught by officers speeding in regional SA – 2017-21:

SAPOL Local Service Area                     Offences                              $

Murray Mallee                                            30,439                         9,708,494

Yorke Mid North                                         25,119                           7,827,241

Hills Fleurieu                                              19,676                          4,925,865

Far North                                                    18,675                         6,667,718

Barossa                                                      16,853                          6,686,043

Eyre Western                                             13,900                          3,211,855

Limestone Coast                                        12,822               3,196,591