Cottesmore_van_July23_02

Speeding

Arrive early, or arrive alive? Excess speed contributes to an alarming proportion of fatalities on the roads.

The difference of a few miles per hour can make the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens. The speed limit on UK roads are made abundantly clear and must be obeyed under all circumstances.

Breaking the speed limit could lead to severely hurting or killing somebody, whether on the school run, down the road or even speeding on a motorway, it’s important to make sure you are aware of the speeding laws in the UK and don’t fall prey to reckless driving. It won’t be just you who will have to live with the consequences of reckless driving, breaking the speed limit can be a short-cut to nothing other than a criminal record, or perhaps an entire life of regret.

The reality

speedo

Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents

plaster

27% of fatal collisions in UK were as a result of the combined factors of speeding and driving too fast (2020 figures).

speeds

The risk of death is four times higher when a pedestrian is hit at 40mph than at 30mph

road

Fatal accidents are four times more likely on rural “A” roads than urban“A” roads

Know your limits

snow

You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle.

swervy-car

The speed limit is the absolute maximum and it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.

chevrons

You are expected to reduce your speed accordingly in hazardous conditions.

one

1mph over the speed limit constitutes a punishable offence.

fine

Consequences

Speeding penalties may include

  • White tick icon The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points.
  • White tick icon 12 or more penalty points within 3 years may result in a driving ban.
  • White tick icon The maximum is £1,000, except for motorway offences, where the maximum is £2,500.

What you should consider

The speed limit is a limit not a target.

In some road conditions, including fog, rain and traffic flow, driving at the speed limit could be dangerous.

Stay in control and give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards by braking before the bend, not in it.

Be aware that there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on country roads.

Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving.

Consider the consequences of causing an accident due to driving at excessive speed.

If you cause an accident, you live with the consequences for the rest of your life.

locations-signpost

Camera Locations

Comprehensive, regularly updated listings of all temporary and fixed speed cameras in the region.

Find out more
SpeedCamera06

Caught On Camera

Been caught speeding on camera, or gone through a red light, and unsure of what happens next?

Find out more
DSCF0610-2

Speed Camera Facts & Myths

Learn about some of the most common speed camera myths.

Find out more