Concern has been raised about the bank – with renewed calls for safety measures – after five deaths in recent months and other reports of vehicles leaving the road and going into the water.

These cases are subject to investigation, with the causes so far not known.

A Cambs police spokeswoman confirmed, however, that the new drive was being launched amid general concern about speeds being driven in the area – and a high number of complaints about them.

The Forty Foot – which runs between Chatteris and Ramsey - has a 50mph speed limit and there are reminders on the road surface. It is not known when the patrols will be carried out.

The new initiative is being undertaken by PC Liam Gibb who has joined the Ramsey Neighbourhood Reactive Team to make sure drivers in Ramsey and neighbouring villages stick to the limits they should.

"We have had a high number of complaints from villagers about people driving at excessive speed, which clearly puts other road users and pedestrians at risk," he said.

"I will be enforcing all aspects of driving and road law, particularly speed limits."

PC Gibb was appointed this month following increasing community concerns about speeding drivers. Residents in villages near Ramsey have expressed concern about drivers apparently ignoring speed limits through residential areas.

In some cases, patrols had revealed drivers exceeding the road's speed limits by as much as 40mph.

Pc Gibb added: "Speed limits are not a guideline, they are there to keep road users and residents safe.

"Keeping your speed down is particularly important in residential areas, and on rural roads, which can have sharp bends or uneven surfaces. Driving safely and slowly is also important at night, or in bad weather, when visibility is poor."

Ramsey and St Ives Sector Inspector Angus McNeill said the Cambs force was committed to tackling the problem of speeding drivers and asked: "Is it really worth it for the sake of shortening your journey time by a couple of minutes?".