Speeding on UK roads laid bare by RAC research
New research from the RAC has revealed the extent of speeding on UK roads, with one driver clocked at a staggering 167mph.
Based on a Freedom of Information request to 45 UK police forces, it found that almost half (48%) have caught motorists driving over 90mph on 30mph roads.
It also found that of the 40 police forces which had data, 90% had recorded people driving at 60mph on these roads.
The highest recorded speed on any road was 167mph on a 70mph stretch of the M1 by Leicestershire Police, while Somerset Police recorded a driver going 161mph on a 50mph stretch of the A303.
Meanwhile, 58% of police forces recorded drivers travelling in excess of 140mph, while South Yorkshire Police recorded a speed of 122mph on a 30mph road and North Wales Police logged a vehicle speeding at 88mph on a 20mph road.
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Although this data is a snapshot, it shines a light on the incredibly dangerous actions of a few, that are putting law-abiding road users at serious risk.
“There is no place for the vastly excessive speeds that some people are prepared to drive. We look forward to the government’s forthcoming road safety strategy understanding what can be done to reduce such avoidable casualties on the UK’s roads.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “Speed limits are set based on many factors including the road layout, what’s in the surrounding area and taking into account where there might be more vulnerable road users. Choosing to drive above those limits is reckless, selfish and completely unacceptable.
“We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe and do whatever we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads each day.”
