Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Speeding increased during first coronavirus lockdown, government data confirms
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Speeding increased during first coronavirus lockdown, government data confirms

Date: 24 November 2020   |   Author: Sean Keywood

Instances of speeding on UK roads increased during the country's first coronavirus lockdown earlier this year, according to Department for Transport figures.

Confirming a previously-reported trend, the data shows that speeding on all types of roads in the second quarter of 2020 increased compared with the same period in 2019.

On motorways, 53% of cars in free-flowing conditions exceeded the speed limit, compared with 52% the previous year, while on national speed limit single carriageways the proportion of speeders was 17%, compared with 10% a year earlier.

On roads with a 30mph limit, the percentage of speeders was 63%, compared with 56% in 2019.

Reacting to the figures, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "This data confirms what we previously suspected: lower traffic volumes sadly led to some shocking levels of speed limit disobedience, particularly on 30mph limit roads. 

"This dangerous behaviour unnecessarily put lives at risk during the first national lockdown when more people were walking and cycling.

"Empty roads should not be an excuse to drive dangerously and it would be frightening to think one of the legacies of the lockdown is a complete disregard for speed limits and other road users' safety."



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