Number of speeding drivers on the rise

The number of drivers caught speeding in England, Scotland and Wales is at its highest in four years, according to new data.

A freedom of information (FOI) request by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart to the DVLA revealed that there was a 32% increase in the number of drivers who were given points between 2022 and 2025.

In 2022, 678,367 drivers were given an SP30 endorsement, the code for exceeding the statutory limit on a public road (excluding motorways which have a separate offence code). This compares to 939,519 drivers in 2025.

Separate research from IAM RoadSmart showed that many more drivers are admitting to breaking the speed limit.

In the last 12 months alone, more than half of those surveyed (61%) confessed to breaking the 30mph speed limit. A small minority (1%) confessed to doing more than 70mph in a 30mph zone and almost half (48%) said they had driven between 31-40mph.

Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart policy and standards director, said: “The fact that more people are getting points on their licence for speeding is incredibly concerning considering it can lead to life-changing consequences.

“It’s particularly worrying that so many people are breaking the law where 30mph limits apply, as these are populated with more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. What’s more, potentially millions more are admitting to speeding, but may be getting away with it.

“While police cannot be expected to be everywhere, new ways to enforce limits should be considered – whether through average or fixed position cameras or alternative means.

“Above all, we need to see a shift in mindset; speeding carries serious consequences but the fact that it is so widespread indicates a cultural problem that needs addressing.”