New research 'shows a worrying trend for speeding'

Date: 13/9/2010

A concerning number of people are ignoring speed limits, one individual has suggested.

Sue Longthorn, Managing Director at Admiral, was commenting on the car insurance firm's Annual Survey of Motorists.

The research revealed 87 per cent of road users admit to exceeding speed limits, while 69 per cent of people think the limit for the motorway should be at least 80mph.

"Our statistics show a worrying trend that people see a speed limit as simply a guide rather than a speed that's appropriate for that road," Ms Longthorn remarked.

Further analysis carried out by Admiral found 14 per cent of drivers have a speeding conviction, but this figure varies widely according to geographic location.

Radlett in Hertfordshire has the highest proportion of motorists with a conviction at 26 per cent, while just 6 per cent of road users in St Ives, Cornwall have one - the lowest figure in Britain.

Last month, Acting Chief Inspector Ken Cook of Durham Police told the Hartlepool Mail excessive speed is one of the major causes of road accidents.

Posted by Mary Treen