Shropshire Star

Police commissioner's pledge to put the brakes on speeders

More speed cameras and extra road safety police officers are on the horizon in a bid to put the brakes on speeding motorists.

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West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion made the pledge as it was revealed fewer drivers were convicted of speeding offences across Shropshire and in Powys last year, new figures show – bucking the national trend.

Ministry of Justice figures show 2,576 motorists caught by West Mercia Police were convicted in courts for speeding offences in 2022, which was down 18 per cent from 3,150 convictions the year before. Overall, 80 per cent of the motorists in West Mercia who had court proceedings for speeding ended up being convicted of the offence.

Meanwhile 2,342 motorists were caught by Dyfed-Powys Police and were convicted in courts for speeding offences in 2022, which was down 18 per cent from 2,862 convictions the year before

Overall, 75 per cent of the motorists in Dyfed-Powys who had court proceedings for speeding ended up being convicted of the offence.

Most people caught speeding are handed a £100 fine and either penalty points or an invitation to an awareness course, but cases involving serious incidents or motorists denying exceeding the limit often end up in court, where fines can reach a maximum of £2,500 for speeding on a motorway.