Millions of UK drivers have breached a major Highway Code and have had to pay the price over the past five years.
Data has revealed that more than nine million drivers were caught speeding in the last five years with roughly 2.1 million drivers caught last year.
Last year’s speeding offences reached the highest levels since 2019, according to a Freedom of Information request.
Data revealed that on average, drivers exceeded speed limits by roughly 9mph with almost four million drivers caught breaking the law in 30mph areas.
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Over 2.5 million motorists were found to be speeding in 50mph or higher areas
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Notably, more than 810,000drivers were caught exceeding speed limits last year while over 2.5 million motoristswere caught speeding in 50mph or higher areas.
Elsewhere more than half a million drivers were caught exceeding the 70mph national limits in place on motorways and country roads.
The penalty for speeding is a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points added to a driving licence.
However, the fine could go up to £1,000 or £2,500 if caught speeding while on a motorway in certain circumstances.
Data from Confused.com detailed how more than one in four(28 per cent) drivers admitted to exceeding the speed limit.
However, 24 per cent of motorists said they were speeding because they didn’t agree with the original limit in the area they were driving.
This can be evident for some drivers in Wales who deliberately breached the mandatory 20mph limit in place across the country on restricted roads.
Research recorded how over 1,100 drivers were issued fines in April alone for breaking the 20mph limit across Wales.
Meanwhile, one in five drivers said they haven’t been caught because they knew where the speed cameras were but added that they don’t know the difference between types of cameras.
Police forces have reported that almost half of drivers caught speeding were repeat offenders with the most common places being in built-up residential areas, near houses, schools and hospitals.
Out of those who were caught speeding in residential areas, the most popular times were between 7am and 10am, or 4pm and 7pm.
Almost a third of speeding cases took place while driving on a dual carriageway, while one in five motorists were caught on a motorway.
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Drivers caught speeding could be fined a minimum of £100
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Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com explained that it’s not always easy to judge “your speed through an educated guess”.
She said: “You should never risk speeding at any time. Not only is there a risk to your safety, but for other road users too.
“Your future as a driver could also be impacted, with risk of disqualification from driving altogether, or new financial burdens as a result.”