New figures reveal that drivers in Warwickshire are far more likely to be caught speeding than those in the West Midlands Police area, which covers Birmingham and the Black Country. The county records a speeding offence rate of 6,043 per 100,000 people, placing it second on the national list, behind only Lincolnshire.
By contrast, the West Midlands Police area has a rate of 4,956 per 100,000 people, ranking sixth nationally despite being the second biggest police force area in the country, covering a population of over a million. Even the neighbouring and much smaller police area of West Mercia sits above it in fifth place.
Enforcement varies across the region
The data, analysed by motoring expert Greg Wilson at Quotezone.co.uk, highlights a postcode lottery in speeding enforcement across the West Midlands. Some forces are much hotter on the issue than others, resulting in them catching and punishing more speeding motorists.
Warwickshire includes towns like Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon, and parts of the M6, M42 and M40 motorways run through the county. Speed cameras may work in some areas and not others, while officers may run more speeding operations along certain roads where the issue is considered to be more of a priority.
West Midlands Police steps up efforts
West Midlands Police is stepping up its speed enforcement efforts alongside local councils, including the roll out of more average speed cameras in Birmingham. The city council has also announced plans to eventually make all residential roads 20mph.
While motorists should always ensure they stick to the speed limit, the figures serve as a warning about the places they are more likely to get caught, and also show where dangerous drivers are more likely to get away with it.
Financial impact of speeding offences
Greg Wilson said: “Safe speed is high on the Government's agenda and a core focus in its new road safety strategy, meaning we’re likely to see enforcement continue to tighten across the country.
“A speeding fine might seem like a one-off cost, but for many drivers it isn’t. Insurers view any endorsement as a sign of increased risk, and premiums will often rise noticeably as a result.
“As almost a third of UK roads are now under 20mph limits, drivers need to be extra cautious, not just for the safety of all road users but because the financial consequences of a single offence can affect insurance policies for years to come.”
