Police Stop Three Times as Many Extreme Speeders During Lockdown

Enforcement increased to prevent collisions increasing strain on NHS

Motorists Caught Doing 130mph on London's Empty Streets
Picture: Piqsels

Police action against extreme speeding has risen almost 200 per cent during coronavirus lockdown, Metropolitan Police figures reveal.

More than 2,700 people were caught well over the speed limit between 24 March and 26 May – up from less than 1,000 in the same period last year.

That includes ten times as many people caught in 20mph zones, rising from 50 to 530 offences.

Overall, police have caught more than twice as many speeding drivers during lockdown as in the same period in 2019.

Driving too fast is already the most common reason for a fatal crash in London.

Police say some drivers see emptier roads as an excuse to speed – but warn that accidents could see NHS resources diverted away from coronavirus sufferers.

Met road safety chief Detective Superintendent Andy Cox said on Twitter almost 250 people were stopped for speeding yesterday (Wednesday, April 27).

Examples last week include 61mph in a 20mph zone, 79mph in a 30mph zone and 126mph in a 60mph zone, he said.

And police caught 28 drivers going over 100mph on roads in the capital, he added.

But the data does not necessarily mean there has been more speeding during lockdown.

“It shows successful targeting of the biggest risk to road safety every single day and night,” he said on Twitter.

“This enforcement surge coincides with a reduction in those killed or seriously injured in collisions.”

Traffic officer talks about impact of attending fatal collisions (video):

Warning to those speeding during lockdown (video):

Jessie Matthewson - Local Democracy Reporter


May 28, 2020

Related links

Bus Drivers 'Frightened to Death' By Virus Risk

Tube Schedule Reductions Causing Overcrowding Says Watchdog

Bus Travel to Be Free During Coronavirus Outbreak

Mayor, TfL and Bus Companies Blamed for Driver Fatality Rates