Half of drivers break 30mph speed limits - RAC reaction

Image: Getty. All rights reserved

Following the publication of new government data on speed limit compliance, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“It’s concerning to see that every year half of drivers exceed the limit on 30mph roads, with more than a fifth (22%) last year driving more than five miles an hour too fast. The implications of speeding on these roads is likely to be greater than on faster roads, not least as they’re generally in areas with more pedestrians and cyclists.

“One possible explanation for why speed limit compliance is so much worse compared to other roads is that drivers may be used to looking for speed limit signs, which are much less prevalent on 30mph roads as generally speaking the presence of streetlights indicates the limit is 30mph. While drivers should know this, perhaps there is a case for the use of more ‘repeater’ signs in 30mph areas so there is no doubt.”

For more research on speeding – including reasons drivers give for exceeding different speed limits – please see the latest page on the Report on Motoring: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/features/the-dangers-on-our-roads-2022/

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Government launches crackdown on ‘misleading’ private parking firms - RAC comment
In light of the Government launching a consultation on the legislation-backed parking code of practice, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We desperately need a government-backed private parking code of practice to be brought into force to protect drivers.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC issues warning to drivers as temperatures rise
With temperatures rising across the UK and a heatwave expected in many areas, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
Car park management companies made nearly 4,000 requests a day to the DVLA for vehicle keeper details from April 2024 to March 2025
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk