During October’s court sessions, 29 drivers were prosecuted for racing at speeds exceeding 20mph over the speed limit during April and May. The total penalties amounted to £12,394 in fines, 289 days of driving bans, and 110 penalty points issued.
Just last month, another 18 speeders were fined over £11,000 and received 135 penalty points, highlighting a continuing problem with reckless driving in the region.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, condemned the dangerous behaviour, stating: “These speeds are unacceptable at the best of times but at a time when most people were staying home to save the NHS this type of driving is particularly selfish. It is really fortunate that none of those who’ve been dealt with were in a collision because it could realistically have ended with someone being seriously injured or even killed. My officers will continue to be out around the county to ensure you’re safe on our roads, tackling people speeding and drink or drug driving.”
Some of the highest recorded speeds on national speed limit roads included:
- 135mph on the A130 at Benfleet on 25 April
- 134mph on the M11 at Harlow on 19 April
- 122mph on the M11 at Epping on 9 May
- 120mph on the A130 at Howe Green on 1 May
Speeds recorded on other roads were also dangerously high:
- 83mph on the Dartford Crossing on 5 April
- 78mph on the A127 at Basildon on 9 April
- 76mph on the Dartford Crossing on 11 April
- 71mph on Queensway, Southend on 7 April
Some drivers offered feeble excuses for their speeding, including claims such as “Thought I was only going about 90mph,” “Needed the toilet,” and one driver was found to be driving on a provisional licence.
Originally published by UKNIP.
