Half of drivers in the UK break the 30mph speed limit, new data shows.
A new study has found that half of drivers in the UK break the 30mph speed limit, with more than a fifth driving more than 5mph over the limit.
The study, by the Department for Transport (DfT), also found that compliance with speed limits on motorways and national speed limit single carriageways was slightly better, with 45% and 11% of drivers exceeding the limit respectively.
The findings have been condemned by road safety experts, who say that speeding is a major factor in road accidents.
“Speeding is not just a violation of the law; it’s a risk to human lives,” said Martin Usher, partner in personal injury at Lime Solicitors. “Every increase in speed exponentially increases the severity of injuries in accidents.”
The DfT data also showed that compliance with speed limits was lower at night than during the day. This is likely due to a number of factors, including lower traffic levels and reduced visibility.
The study also found that drivers of vans and HGVs were more likely to break the speed limit than drivers of cars.
“It’s important that all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they’re driving, respect speed limits,” said Edmund King, AA president. “Speeding is a major factor in road accidents, and it’s simply not worth the risk.”
The DfT is calling on drivers to be more aware of speed limits and to obey them. The government is also investing in road safety measures, such as speed cameras and improved road design, to help reduce speeding.
“We all have a role to play in making our roads safer,” said Simon Williams, RAC head of policy. “By driving within the speed limit, we can all help to save lives.”
If you are caught speeding, you could face a fine, points on your driving licence, or even a driving ban. The severity of the punishment will depend on the speed you were driving and whether you have any previous convictions.
So please, obey the speed limit and help to make our roads safer.
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