Nine Out of Ten Extreme Speeders Avoid Prosecution in West Midlands
Exclusive data obtained by BirminghamLive has uncovered a startling trend in traffic enforcement across the West Midlands. Out of the ten fastest speeds recorded by West Midlands Police since the beginning of 2025, nine of the resulting tickets were cancelled, allowing dangerous drivers to escape prosecution entirely.
This investigation highlights how often speeding fines are dismissed, even in the most severe cases where vehicles were caught reaching terrifying speeds up to 151mph on local roads.
Details of the High-Speed Offences
The data reveals specific instances of extreme speeding that went unpunished. A BMW was recorded doing 151mph on the M6 between junctions 4 and 5, yet the ticket was cancelled. Similarly, two Audis were snapped at 143mph on the M42, and a BMW reached 141mph on the same motorway between junctions 4 and 5. A Skoda was clocked at 137mph on the M6 between junctions 4 and 5, with all these cases resulting in cancelled fines.
In fact, when examining the 15 fastest speeds recorded, only two drivers faced prosecution. Every other speeding ticket in this category was cancelled, meaning the majority of these high-risk motorists got away with their actions.
Reasons for Ticket Cancellations
West Midlands Police provided insight into why these tickets might be cancelled. A spokesperson stated, "There are a variety of different reasons that a ticket can be cancelled. For example, if the driver could not be traced, the vehicle was a police vehicle, the vehicle was stolen or cloned, etc." Other potential factors include faulty cameras or administrative issues that prevent successful prosecution.
However, not all extreme speeders avoided consequences. The driver responsible for the fastest speed in recent times was prosecuted. This individual was behind the wheel of a Mercedes CLA45 AMG doing 155mph in Sutton Coldfield in March 2025, demonstrating that enforcement can occur in the most egregious cases.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This data raises significant concerns about road safety and the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement in the region. With speeds exceeding 150mph on public roads, the potential for catastrophic accidents is high, yet the cancellation of tickets suggests systemic challenges in holding offenders accountable.
The findings underscore the need for improved tracing methods and stricter protocols to ensure that dangerous driving does not go unpunished. As community safety remains a priority, addressing these gaps in prosecution could help deter future offences and protect all road users.
