THE Government has launched a new hard-hitting campaign to hammer home the dangers of breaking speed limits.

The £2 million campaign shows why speed limits, particularly the 30mph limit, are set and the fatal consequences of ignoring them.

It uses graphic images of eight-year-old girl and explains that an 80% chance of survival when hit at 30mph is transformed into an 80% chance of death at 40mph.

Initially launched on television, the campaign is set to roll out on radio stations and posters. It is intended to counter growing public perception that speeding in some situations is acceptable.