Driving speeds down nearly a third

Average speeds in the UK were 30% down in 2022 compared to 2021.

DVLA figures revealed that the number of speeding convictions in the ‘SP30’ category for 2022 were estimated at 607,231 compared with 841,107 in 2021. The most recent figure was also lower than those for 2020 (731,020) and 2019, when 801,695 motorists received SP30 prosecutions.

Road safety and breakdown organisation has welcomed the news, pointing out that speed remains the number one cause of collisions on the road.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “We welcome these figures, as we know that one of the most effective ways of making our roads safer is to drive within the speed limit at all times on journeys. It’s a vital part of taking personal responsibility for our own safety – and that of others – when we are driving.

“Research categorically shows that reduced speeds mean fewer collisions, and reduced severity of collisions. For example, an overall 1mph reduction in speed results in an average five per cent reduction in collisions.

“We also know that a car speeding at 80mph uses 10% more fuel than one driven at 70mph. A car driven at 70mph uses 15% more fuel than one at 50mph.”