Eight in 10 drivers ignore speed limit on these roads

SHOCK AS HUGE NUMBERS PAY NO ATTENTION TO SPEED LIMITS 13:34, 03 Jun 2025 Over 80% of drivers ignore speed limits on specific types of roads, shock figures have revealed. Motorists routinely

ignore 20mph restrictions, either finding themselves unable or unwilling to drive at low speeds. The statistics will be worrying given the increasing number of 20mph limits being imposed on

Britain's roads. READ MORE: THE NEW MOBILE PHONE LAWS MOST DRIVERS DON'T UNDERSTAND GET ALL THE LATEST MOTORING NEWS SENT TO YOUR INBOX BY SIGNING UP TO OUR NEW NEWSLETTER HERE On

an average weekday, 83% of cars will go over 20mph on these roads, rising even further to 86% at weekends, DfT data showed. Article continues below Several factors are likely to contribute

to this high figure. Some drivers may not be aware a 20mph limit is in place, while others may simply ignore it and not be prepared to drive at that speed. However, it doesn't

necessarily mean 20mph zones have no impact as drivers going faster than 20 could still be going below 30, the traditional speed limit in residential areas. 20mph zones have become a

controversial topic in recent years. Those in favour argue they boost road safety, particularly around schools, while opponents argue they have gone too far and are unnecessary in some

places. They were widely rolled out in Wales but are starting to be reversed following a public backlash and 'nanny state' claims. The data reinforces how common speeding is on our

roads, and how to some the speed limit is of no importance. Over four in 10 motorists breach 30mph limits in built-up and residential areas, rising to half on Sundays when traffic levels

tend to be lower. Similar numbers pay no attention to the 70mph motorway speed limit. The figure is around 43% during the week, rising to 49% on quieter weekends. John Wilmot, CEO and

founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco.com commented: “While the majority of drivers respect speed limits during the working week, it seems things do change at weekends. “Once the

weekend rolls around, people are driving faster on every type of road as they rush to meet friends and relatives or pursue their leisure activities. “It might be because a different type of

driver is more likely to be out on the roads at the weekend, or it could just be down to people being less cautious at the weekends and hitting the accelerator because the roads might be

quieter, so there are fewer traffic jams. “Whatever the reasons behind it, these figures show evidence of a worrying trend. "Accidents can happen on every day of the week, and drivers

need to be vigilant at all times when they are out on the road. Article continues below “So we are warning drivers to slow down when they are out and about at the weekends and to make sure

they reach their destinations safely.