Disturbing Data Reveals Excessive Speeds Across the UK, With One Driver Reaching 167mph
Almost 50% of police forces in the UK have reported instances of drivers exceeding three times the speed limit on 30mph roads, according to new data. A total of 48% of forces recorded vehicles speeding more than 90mph on roads with a 30mph limit, while 90% of forces reported speeds of 60mph or higher on such roads.
The RAC disclosed that one driver reached an astonishing 167mph on a 70mph stretch of the M1 motorway in Leicestershire. Meanwhile, in Somerset, a driver was clocked at 161mph on a road with a 50mph speed limit, marking the largest speed over the limit.
Other alarming figures include South Yorkshire Police registering a speed of 122mph on a 30mph road, and North Wales Police capturing a vehicle going 88mph on a 20mph road. Both speeds are more than four times the respective speed limits.
The data, obtained through Freedom of Information requests made by the RAC to 45 police forces covering the period from January 2023 to August 2024, highlights the risks posed by speeding.
Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC, remarked: “While this data provides a snapshot, it exposes the reckless behaviour of a small number of drivers who are putting others in serious danger.”
Richard Parker, the mayor of the West Midlands, emphasised the urgency for action, noting the high number of fatalities and injuries caused by speeding. Official government statistics confirm that speed is a significant factor in fatal crashes, contributing to 58% of road deaths in 2023.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who oversees roads policing for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, stated: “Although some instances of speeding might be unintentional, these extreme speeds show a conscious disregard for road safety, endangering everyone.”
The Department for Transport echoed this, reiterating that there is no excuse for speeding, and emphasising the tough penalties already in place for offenders.
