Over 870 drivers caught speeding by GMP in 7 days

Councillor Ashley Dearnley and a police officer with a speed detection device

Over 870 drivers have been caught speeding by Greater Manchester Police in just one week, as part of a national speed enforcement campaign led by the National Police Chiefs' Council.

The two-week-long campaign is targeting irresponsible and dangerous drivers in an effort to reduce collisions on the road.

Officers from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit have also been informing drivers of the risks of speeding to both themselves and other road users and have been encouraging drivers to obey speed limits and drive at speeds safe for the road environment.

The last Speed Enforcement Campaign took place in January 2019 where the highest number of motorists caught speeding via automated intervention was recorded since the April 2015 campaign. 

Driving in excess of the speed limit increases the chances of being involved in a crash and the higher the speed, the more serious any injuries are likely to be. Excess speed also increases the chances of driver errors, such as driving too close or driving while tired or distracted. Higher speeds mean it takes longer for the vehicle to stop and turns near misses into crashes.

Inspector Steve Bryant said: “Throughout the campaign we have been actively looking for anyone speeding in order to reduce the number of speeding-related incidents that take place on the road.

“The dangers of drink and drug driving are well-known, however many drivers forget the dangers of speeding. National figures released in April 2018 showed that 247 fatalities happened on the road as a result of excessive speeding.

“If you’re caught speeding the minimum penalty you will face is a £100 fine and three penalty points, and depending on your speed this can increase to 175% of your weekly salary and you could be disqualified from driving.

“Speed limits are enforced to protect you and other road users and these should be respected.”