Drivers across the UK are being warned they are taking a significant risk by exceeding the 70mph motorway speed limit, as new data shatters the widely held belief in a discretionary buffer.
The Myth of the Speed Limit Leeway
Many motorists operate under the assumption that police forces allow a leeway of '10% plus 2' miles per hour, meaning they wouldn't be penalised for driving at 77mph in a 70mph zone. However, this is a dangerous misconception. A freedom of information request submitted by ChooseMyCar.com to Thames Valley Police revealed a startling fact: 53 per cent of all speeding offences over 70mph were for drivers travelling between 70 and 79mph.
This data confirms that the majority of drivers are caught not for excessive speed, but for being just slightly over the national limit. A spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar.com emphasised the point, stating, "The idea that you’re safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. Technically, you’re liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit."
Official Guidance vs. On-the-Ground Reality
While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) does recommend that officers use discretion with a '10% plus 2' leeway, this is not a legally binding rule. The RAC clarifies that this is merely an aid for police discretion and is not the law. The final decision on whether to issue a penalty rests entirely with the individual officer who detects the offence.
This crackdown on minor speeding offences comes at a time when public opinion appears to be shifting. A recent survey found that 43 per cent of Britons believe the motorway speed limit should be raised to 80mph. Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, commented on this disconnect, saying, "Modern day cars have improved beyond comparison in the last 60 years - and yet the motorway limit has remained the same. This does seem ludicrous, and it seems many Brits are already driving beyond the limit anyway."
The Bottom Line for UK Motorists
The message from the data and experts is unequivocal. Any driver choosing to travel at 77mph on a motorway is, in fact, taking a huge risk and is technically breaking the law. There is no guaranteed buffer, and the widespread belief in one is leading thousands of drivers to receive fines and penalty points they did not expect.
With a significant portion of the public calling for a review of the 70mph limit, originally set in the 1960s, the debate around what constitutes a safe and reasonable speed for modern vehicles is sure to continue. For now, however, the law remains clear, and drivers are urged to stick to the posted limit to avoid falling foul of this strict enforcement.
