Sussex driver clocked at 113mph in 30 zone on residential road
The RAC is calling for more action on dangerous drivers on our roads
Last updated 13th Feb 2025
One of the highest speeds driven on a 30mph road in the country was recorded in Sussex, data obtained by the RAC has revealed.
An FOI request detailing speeds captured by the force between January 2023 and August 2024 saw one driver hit 113mph.
It also saw the force capturing speeds of 122mph on the A24 at Dial Post and the M23 in Tilgate.
The RAC is now urging the government to use their upcoming road safety strategy as a chance to tackle "avoidable casualties" on our roads, as it describes the figures as highlighting "incredibly dangerous actions" by drivers.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: "Although this data is a snapshot, it shines a light on the incredibly dangerous actions of a few, that are putting law-abiding road users at serious risk. Thankfully, the police were on hand to catch these drivers.
"There is no place for the vastly excessive speeds that some people are prepared to drive.
"Speed is the leading cause of deaths on UK roads.
"We look forward to the Government's forthcoming road safety strategy understanding what can be done to reduce such avoidable casualties on the UK's roads."
Shiner: Speeds captured "deliberate decisions"
Sussex's Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said although "some incidents of going over the speed limit can be genuine mistakes or errors", that was not the case here:
"The speeds cited here are clearly drivers taking deliberate decisions to travel at excessive speeds, putting everyone at risk.
"Speed limits are set based on many factors, including the road layout, what's in the surrounding area and taking into account where there might be more vulnerable road users.
"Choosing to drive above those limits is reckless, selfish and completely unacceptable."
Exceeding speed limit contributing to deaths
In 2023, separate Department for Transport statistics show 331 people died in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which a driver exceeding the speed limit was a contributory factor.
This was at least a 10-year high and represented 21% of all road fatalities.
In light of the RAC figures, the Department for Transport said there's "no excuse for those who risk the lives of others through speeding".
A spokesperson continued:
"While our roads are among the safest in the world, we are committed to improving road safety, and recently relaunched our Think! campaign with a focus on speeding, particularly on rural roads."