Police across the UK have been catching drivers exceeding astonishing speeds of up to 122mph on 30mph roads, according to a recent investigation reported by Wales Online. The RAC, which obtained the data, has described these actions as “incredibly dangerous” and has urged the Government to address the issue in its upcoming road safety strategy. This revelation sheds light on the risks posed by speeding motorists and the potential for avoidable casualties on the roads.
The investigation found that nearly half of UK police forces recorded drivers going over 90mph on 30mph roads in the 20 months leading up to August last year. The RAC emphasized that roads with lower speed limits, such as 20mph and 30mph, are likely to have higher numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, making speeding even more hazardous. The highest speed recorded on a 30mph road was an alarming 122mph in the area covered by South Yorkshire Police, while North Wales Police reported a top speed of 88mph on a 20mph road.
Speeding remains a significant cause of road fatalities in the UK, with the leading recorded speed hitting 167mph on a 70mph stretch of the M1 motorway by Leicestershire Police. The obtained figures from Freedom of Information requests to 45 police forces highlighted the reckless actions of a few individuals that put law-abiding road users at grave risk. RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis stressed the need for immediate action to reduce such avoidable casualties and enhance road safety nationwide.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, condemned drivers who choose to exceed speed limits, calling their actions reckless, selfish, and entirely unacceptable. The data highlighted the deliberate decision-making of some drivers to travel at excessive speeds, disregarding the safety of others on the road. The Department for Transport (DfT) recorded 331 fatalities in 2023 where speeding was a contributing factor, marking a 10-year high and representing 21% of all road fatalities.
Public perception of speeding was also addressed in a survey conducted by the RAC, which revealed that 55% of drivers believe there is a prevailing culture of acceptability towards speeding on UK roads. These findings underscore the urgency for robust measures and campaigns to tackle speeding behaviors and improve road safety. The DfT reiterated that there is no excuse for risking lives through speeding and highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety through campaigns like Think!, focusing on speeding on rural roads.
In light of the alarming speeds recorded on 30mph roads, it is evident that stricter enforcement and increased awareness are needed to deter reckless driving behaviors. The collaboration between police forces, road safety organisations, and government bodies is essential to address the root causes of speeding and reduce the associated risks on UK roads. By prioritising road safety and implementing effective measures, we can work towards creating safer road environments for all users.