Speeding down from last year, but up on pre-pandemic levels

New data fro the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed a drop in speeding offences across English roads this year.

Vulnerable

According to the figures, between April and September there was a 12% drop in motorists speeding on 30mph roads. This compares to the same period last year. The figures cover all road types, with single carriageways witnessing a 28% drop. Meanwhile, drivers on UK motorways were only 4% less likely to speed than last year.

However, this year’s figures are still up on pre-pandemic levels. There is a 20% increase in penalties for motorists breaking the speed limit by less than 10% across single carriageways. On 30mph roads it is a 28% increase.

Unfortunately, over half of motorists still speed on 30mph roads – 52% compared to 59% last year. This directly impacts on vulnerable road users, particularly children and pedestrians.

Penalties

If caught speeding, offenders risk three points on their driving licences and a minimum £100 speeding ticket. The exact fine depends on what the speed limit was and by how much it’s been exceeded by. This can be a percentage of the driver’s weekly income, up to £1,000 (or £2,500 on a motorway). Drivers can be disqualified from driving or have their licence suspended in severe circumstances.

Motorists with points on a licence can expect their insurance premiums to increase. On average this is 5% higher each year for four years after a conviction.

Not a winter wonderland

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk believes many drivers are “speeding on autopilot, simply out of habit, given the reduced traffic across the pandemic”. The research shows many drivers break the speed limit by small margins.

“We’re coming into the holidays,” says Wilson. “With December being the highest month of the year for traffic accidents, it’s important drivers slow down to give themselves as much time as possible to react to the unknown, especially as passengers get merrier and the winter weather settles in and roads become icy.”