New data from West Midlands Police (WMP) has revealed the highest speeds recorded on the region's motorways over the past 12 months, with one driver clocked at a staggering 137mph on the M6. The top 10 list, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by BirminghamLive, shows all offences exceeded 120mph, with the M6 dominating the rankings.
Top Speed: 137mph on M6 Northbound
The fastest speed recorded was 137mph on the M6 northbound between Junctions 4 (Coleshill) and 5, involving a Skoda, caught by a speed camera. This is more than 67mph over the national speed limit of 70mph, highlighting extreme risk-taking on the region's busiest motorway.
The second and third highest speeds were also on the M6 northbound: 134mph between Junctions 7 (Great Barr) and 8 (M5 interchange) in a Porsche, and 133mph between Junctions 8 and 9 (Wednesbury) in a BMW, the latter recorded by a police officer. Both were on stretches with a national speed limit.
M6 Dominates with Six Entries
The M6 accounted for six of the top 10 speeds, including the top three. Other M6 incidents included 126mph southbound between Junctions 5 and 4 in a Mercedes Benz, 126mph northbound between Junctions 7 and 8 (a section with a 60mph limit) in a BMW, and 125mph southbound near the M54 exit slip road and Junction 10 in an Audi. All but the 60mph-limit case were on national speed limit sections.
M42 and M5 Also Feature
The M42 had two entries, both at 131mph on the northbound carriageway between Junctions 3a (Umberslade Interchange) and 5 (Copt Hill). One was a BMW between Junctions 4 and 5, the other a Ford between Junctions 3a and 4, both caught by cameras.
The M5 appeared twice, with a 130mph Audi near Junction 1 (West Bromwich) and a 130mph Mercedes Benz between Junctions 3 (Quinton) and 2 (Oldbury), both detected by police officers. These incidents underscore the prevalence of excessive speeding across the region's key routes.
Consequences and Context
According to WMP, the data covers speeds recorded by both fixed speed cameras and police officers over the 12-month period. The force did not disclose the specific penalties issued, but such speeds typically lead to prosecution, potential bans, and fines. Speeding at 137mph in a 70mph zone carries a minimum of a 12-month driving ban and a fine of up to 150% of weekly income.
Road safety campaigners have long warned of the dangers of excessive speed, which significantly increases stopping distances and the severity of collisions. The data serves as a stark reminder of the risks drivers take on West Midlands motorways, which are among the busiest in the UK.
Full List of Top 10 Speeds
The following is the complete list of highest speeds recorded by West Midlands Police in the past 12 months:
- 137mph – M6 northbound Junctions 4-5 – Skoda – camera
- 134mph – M6 northbound Junctions 7-8 – Porsche – camera
- 133mph – M6 northbound Junctions 8-9 – BMW – officer
- 131mph – M42 northbound Junctions 4-5 – BMW – camera
- 131mph – M42 northbound Junctions 3a-4 – Ford – camera
- 130mph – M5 northbound Junction 1 – Audi – officer
- 130mph – M5 Junctions 3-2 – Mercedes Benz – officer
- 126mph – M6 southbound Junctions 5-4 – Mercedes Benz – camera
- 126mph – M6 northbound Junctions 7-8 (60mph limit) – BMW – camera
- 125mph – M6 southbound M54 slip road to Junction 10 – Audi – camera
These figures highlight the persistent issue of speeding on the region's motorways, despite ongoing enforcement efforts. WMP continues to deploy cameras and officers to curb such behaviour, but the data suggests some drivers remain undeterred.
