Thousands of drivers caught doing over 100mph last year

More than 9,500 motorists were caught driving at speeds of over 100 mph last year, according to new data.

Road safety charity Brake obtained figures from 40 of the 45 police forces across the UK following a Freedom of Information request. Each force was asked to supply the total number of offences recorded by a speed camera or from an officer’s speed radar where a motorist was found to be going over 100mph. They were also asked to provide data on the top five speeds recorded in their area.

The figures reveal that 9,596 motorists were clocked doing over 100mph in 2018.

The top five speeds recorded across the country were: 162mph on the M1 in South Yorkshire, 162mph on M4 in Avon and Somerset, 160mph on the M5 in West Mercia, 157mph on the M62 in West Yorkshire and 157mph on the M25 in Kent.

Drivers caught speeding at over 100mph are referred to court, where magistrates have the discretion to issue a driving ban or six penalty points on the driver’s licence.

According to Brake, stopping distances at speeds over 100mph are more than 182 metres — the equivalent of about 45 car lengths, or nearly two football pitches. The charity wants to see drivers automatically banned when caught doing over 100mph.

“There is absolutely no justification for any driver to be travelling at such excessive speeds — more than twice the national speed limit in some cases — putting themselves and others in grave danger,” said Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake. “The number of drivers caught speeding at over 100mph highlights some deeply concerning issues with speeding across the country and makes clear the need for action.”

Harris called on the UK Government to invest in national roads policing as a priority, to give police the resources they need to increase enforcement.

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