Over 50% of cars and vans were speeding in towns and on motorways in 2020 according to latest statistics

The latest statistics on vehicle speed compliance for 2020 in Great Britain, released today by the Department for Transport, paint a worrying picture according to IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity. The statistics revealed most drivers and motorcyclists exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads and motorways.

More free flowing traffic conditions in 2020, resulted in 56% of cars exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads compared to 53% on motorways and 12% on national speed limit single carriageway roads.

Compared to pre Covid-19 and lockdown conditions, in 2019, 54% (2% less) of cars exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads, 50% (3% less) on motorways and 9% (3% less) on national speed limit single carriageway roads.

While cars 55%, LCVs (vans) 55% and motorcycles 58% were the worst offenders on motorways larger vehicles, HGVs and buses scored the highest on national speed limit single carriageways.

% of vehicles exceeding the speed limits by road class in Great Britain, 2020

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said “It is worrying that one in two drivers on motorways and 30mph roads exceeded the speed limit in 2020 when they were given greater opportunity.   The increases are not as marked as we might have expected, particularly on rural 60mph roads, so there is some positive news here that many drivers can still be influenced and help us all ‘build back safer’.  Getting back on track will require greater investment in roads policing but for now the goal of making speeding as anti-social as drink driving looks far from being achieved.” 

“The report also showed figures for ‘20mph roads with no traffic calming’ which are still far too high (87% exceed the limit) indicating an urgent need for more investment in changing road character and environment to reinforce understanding of posted limits.”

Neil continued “Due to Covid-19 and the national lockdown in Great Britain over four months of restrictions resulted in more free flowing traffic conditions in 2020. While restrictions have continued in 2021 with Freedom Day around the corner all vehicles will need to adjust to increased ‘normal’ traffic levels and regulate their speed accordingly to improve road safety and avoid fines.”

For more information about IAM RoadSmart, which helps to improve driving and riding skills through courses and coaching, visit www.iamroadsmart.com.