Speeding offences recorded by West Mercia Police increased - with more 'ineligible' for courses

The number of speeding offences recorded by West Mercia Police saw a large increase between 2023 and 2025 - with a large increase in the number of drivers ‘ineligible’ for awareness course.

Figures released by the force under a Freedom of Information request shows a 42.4% increase in speeding offences over three years, with 116,717 recorded in 2023 and 166,181 in 2025.

The number of ‘Speed Awareness Courses’ offered by the force also increased by just over 40% over the same period - less than 3% of these were declined each year, with slightly below 4% of offences resulting in referrals to court.

However, the data also indicated a clear increase in the number of people ‘ineligible’ for a speeding course due to previous attendance as just 8.2% (8,519) were ineligible in 2023 but 20.3% were in 2025 (29,878).

Police noted that “not all 2025 offences will be resolved due to 6 months limitation of proceedings.”

The news comes following a month of West Mercia Police implementing Operation Spotlight, a national campaign to raise awareness of the preventative work done by local policing teams to prevent fatal road accidents and serious injuries.

Last year 56 people were killed and 486 were seriously injured in crashes across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. Common causes included speeding offences, distracted drivers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt.

Superintendent Stuart Bill, West Mercia Police said: “Everyone understands the law around seatbelts, drink/drug driving and mobile phones and the importance of adhering to the speed limits. The majority of road users use the roads respectfully and adhere to this but it is concerning that there are still a number of drivers and riders across our force area who don’t. This is why we continue to target those road users who chose to break the law to help make our roads safer for all".

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads, and much of this harm is entirely preventable. I hear regularly from victims and families whose lives have been changed forever, and that’s why I’m clear that the three Es of road safety - enforcement, education and engineering - must drive the change our communities expect.

“I will continue to support West Mercia Police with the resources they need to enforce the law and bring offenders to justice, while backing efforts to educate motorists about the risks and the simple steps that save lives. I will also keep working closely with local authorities to ensure our road network is designed with safety at its core. Together, we can make a real difference.”