A motorist has been fined after being caught driving at 46mph in a 20mph zone on Vincent Drive in Birmingham, more than double the legal limit. The incident is the worst example of speeding in a 20mph area in the city this year, according to details released following a BirminghamLive freedom of information request.
The road runs past the University of Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The speed recorded would have been considered reckless on a 30mph road, let alone a 20mph stretch, as the rules were blatantly ignored. However, the motorist did not get away with the dangerous driving and was caught by police.
Context of 20mph zones in Birmingham
The rollout of 20mph zones across Birmingham and more widely around the UK has proved controversial. Many drivers complain that the limits are too slow, and while traffic is usually slowed for safety reasons, there have been complaints that 20mph zones are overused unnecessarily.
Despite the criticism, 20mph roads are only likely to become more common. The Government is set to update its guidance to local authorities around setting speed limits, which could result in more slower roads across the country.
The fine serves as a reminder of the consequences of excessive speeding in residential and hospital areas, where vulnerable road users are more likely to be present.
