Police in Norfolk target speeding drivers as figures show increase in offences

Norfolk Police have said they are continuing to take “robust action” against speeding drivers as figures show a "dramatic" increase in speeding offences.

Since the start of the lockdown in March, there has been a 75 per cent reduction in traffic volume across Norfolk’s roads, and officers say the majority of people are following government guidelines on social distancing and staying at home except for essential needs.

During this period last year 0.6 per cent of vehicles which were detected speeding were travelling at over 100mph but this year, the number has risen to 1.1 per cent.

A police spokesperson said: "Most people will realise that following the rules of the road is not only safer for them and their families, but will benefit our already busy health services during a global pandemic, to avoid the strain of road traffic collision casualties."

They said speed data recorders set up at various locations across the county have shown a marked increase in vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

Within the past week in Norfolk, police have seen one vehicles travelling along the A47 at a speed of 101mph and 103mph.

In a 60mph zone in Lynn, a vehicle was found to be travelling at 94mph.

Officers continue to conduct speed patrols along many of the major road networks in Norfolk in order to target those drivers who not only pose a threat to themselves but to other road users.

Anyone found to be ignoring the speed limits will face “appropriate and robust action”.

Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “It is very disappointing to see such a dramatic increase in speeding drivers, especially when we are seeing fewer vehicles on our roads.

“As we continue to reiterate, speeding is one of the ‘fatal four’ offences making you more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision alongside using a mobile phone, drink/drug driving and not wearing a seatbelt.

“If you are involved in a serious collision you are highly likely to need vital health care, therefore increasing the demand on our NHS.

"Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a more important time for us to all do our bit by protecting our NHS by reducing our chances of needing health care.

"We continue to patrol our road network by targeting speeding drivers and we will take robust action against anyone who is found to break those rules.

"We also urge people to follow government guidelines that non-essential journeys are not permitted due to the Coronavirus outbreak and would be in breach of the Health Act rules.”

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green, said: "I’m pleased to see Norfolk Police taking robust action on this. There really is no excuse for such reckless behaviour and, particularly at this time, examples like this shine a real spotlight on the selfishness of some drivers’ actions.

"Individuals, families and communities across Norfolk are making massive sacrifices in the name of saving lives and reducing demand on our NHS.

"Getting behind the wheel and choosing to drive at excessive speed not only risks your own safety and that of other road users, but also has the potential to place additional demand on the health services that will need to come to your aid in the event of a crash.

"If you’re undertaking essential travel, I urge you to please do it safely. The life you save may even be your own.”