Speed Demons Exploit Lockdown, Caught Flying through London Roads
With coronavirus restrictions tightening, London’s roads have turned into a speeding hotspot. Drivers are taking advantage of quieter streets, pushing pedal to the metal. But the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are cracking down hard on these reckless offenders.
Shocking 203% Spike in Speeding Tickets Since Lockdown
Since lockdown began on March 23, the number of Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) has soared by a staggering 203% compared to the same period in 2019. Last week alone (November 9-15), cops issued 605 TORs—compared to just 89 for the entire Met in the same week from two years ago.
- One driver was caught hurtling down the M1 at 163mph in a 70mph zone.
- That speed demon got slapped with a six-month driving ban and £1,886 in fines.
- Fourteen vehicles topped 100mph on London streets, including one at a terrifying 108mph in a 50mph zone.
London’s Vision Zero Plan: No More Road Deaths by 2041
Back in July 2018, Mayor Sadiq Khan teamed up with TfL and the Met to launch Vision Zero, aiming to wipe out all road deaths and serious injuries by 2041. Every year, around 4,000 people in London suffer serious road injuries or death. The key? Slashing speeding.
Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens: “Speeding is one of the biggest killers on London’s roads. We’re working tirelessly to stop those who think the less busy roads give them a licence to speed.”
“There’s been a real surge in reckless speeders using quieter streets to charge through. Officers are out day and night issuing TORs and taking licences. It’s just not worth the risk.”
“Last year, speed played a part in half of London’s 125 fatal collisions—that’s 125 families devastated forever.”
TfL Warns: Speeding Kills, Drive Safe or Pay the Price
Siwan Hayward, TfL Director of Compliance: “Road Safety Week reminds us why we battle to end road deaths. Last year, 125 people died and 3,780 were seriously hurt on London’s roads.”
“A pedestrian hit at 30mph is five times more likely to die than at 20mph—lower speeds save lives. We salute drivers who respect the limits and keep communities safe.”
“Speeding drivers will face tough action. We won’t tolerate putting Londoners at risk.”
Road Safety Week is the UK’s largest road safety event, run by the charity Brake.
