UK Police Record 161mph Speeds as 32,548 Drivers Caught Speeding in 20mph Zones—July 9

Police forces across the UK recorded extreme speeding incidents during 2025, with the highest recorded speed reaching 161mph on both the M6 between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford and the A5 in Bayston Hill, Shropshire. New data from the RAC, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, shows 32,548 motorists were caught driving at 30mph or faster on 20mph roads, while 271,341 were caught at 40mph or more on 30mph roads across 33 police forces.

Extreme speeds recorded near schools and homes

One driver was clocked at 89mph on a 20mph stretch of the B5129 in Deeside, North Wales. Another was caught doing 114mph on a 30mph road near a primary school in Aylestone, Leicestershire. Rod Dennis, RAC’s senior policy officer, said these incidents in residential areas and near schools during daytime hours show how dangerous excessive speeding is. The RAC analysis noted these are only cases police detected, suggesting the real scale is larger.

Scale of speeding violations across UK forces

Data from 28 police forces showed 32,548 motorists caught at 30mph or more on 20mph roads, meaning they drove at least 50% faster than the legal limit. Across 33 forces, 271,341 motorists were caught driving at 40mph or more on 30mph roads. Chief Constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said a majority of drivers now believe speeding is acceptable, reflecting a deeply embedded issue in driver behaviour.

Government response and policy expansion

The Department for Transport said there was “no excuse” for drivers who chose to speed and put lives at risk. Wales has already adopted a 20mph default in built-up areas, and the Scottish Government has committed to implementing the same limit where appropriate. Some 62 of 153 local authorities in England have also adopted similar policies. The Shropshire motorist caught at 161mph was not prosecuted for speeding itself but the vehicle owner received a £1,000 fine and six penalty points for failing to name the driver.

Speeding as a factor in fatal crashes

Department for Transport figures show speed was a factor in 58% of fatal crashes on Britain’s roads in 2024. Rod Dennis said official data shows more than 300 fatal collisions in one year where speeding was a factor, all entirely avoidable since speeding is a choice the driver makes. The RAC called for greater focus on tackling excessive speeding alongside new casualty reduction targets.

Final Thoughts

The data reveals a widespread speeding problem on UK roads, with drivers regularly exceeding limits by 50% or more in residential areas. The government and police are calling for cultural change in driver behaviour, though enforcement alone has not solved the issue.

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