Nearly 20 Speedsters Caught Zooming While Brits Stayed Home
Almost 20 drivers have been slapped with fines totalling nearly £9,000 and handed 108 penalty points for tearing along roads while the rest of us stayed put to save lives. These reckless racers broke the speed limit by over 25mph during lockdown’s quiet months.
Speed Demons Face Court
On 29 September, 18 of these speeders appeared in court. Another five were dealt with last week, receiving fines worth more than £2,200 and 27 points combined. More hearings are scheduled next month for drivers caught blasting past speed limits by 25mph or more.
Shocking Speeds and Selfish Excuses
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said:
“During April and May, our roads were quieter as people stayed home to protect the NHS. Sadly, some saw that as a green light to break the law at terrifying speeds. Four drivers were caught doing at least 120mph on A-roads and motorways. We’re lucky no one was killed.”
“Putting lives at risk like this while most people were following lockdown rules is unbelievably selfish. Some excuses we heard were truly shocking. Our officers will keep cracking down on speeding, drink, and drug driving.”
Deadly Consequences of Speeding in Essex
- 2019 saw 17 deaths and 241 serious injuries in Essex caused by inappropriate speeds.
- There were 684 injury collisions involving speeding—nearly a quarter of all crashes.
Record-Breaking Reckless Rally Speeds
- 130mph on A12 near Brentwood (10 May)
- 124mph on M11 near Harlow (16 April)
- 121mph on M11 near Harlow (15 April)
- 120mph on M25 near Brentwood (16 April)
- 113mph on M11 near Harlow (15 April)
Dartford Crossing Danger
- 76mph recorded twice on Dartford Crossing, where the limit is 50mph (11 & 15 April)
Shoddy Speeding Excuses
- One driver said he was rushing home after a day out with family and friends because he was tired.
- Another claimed they were speeding because they hadn’t been driving much recently.
- A third admitted speeding on the way to work in a new car they weren’t used to.
