Number of drivers caught speeding hits four-year high, DVLA data shows
The number of drivers caught speeding on roads in England, Scotland and Wales is at its highest level in four years, according to data obtained from the DVLA.
A freedom of information request by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart found that 939,519 drivers were given an SP30 endorsement in 2025, the penalty code for exceeding the speed limit on a public road excluding motorways.
That compares with 678,367 in 2022, a rise of 32% over three years.
On motorways, 216,141 drivers were caught speeding in 2025, down 6% on the previous year but 29% higher than the 2022 figure.
The figures cover roads used daily by drivers across north Wales, including the A55 North Wales Expressway and the A494.
Separate research by IAM RoadSmart, based on a survey of 2,053 UK motorists, found that 61% admitted to breaking the 30mph speed limit in the past 12 months.
A small number of those surveyed, around 1%, said they had exceeded 70mph in a 30mph zone.
Almost half, 48%, said they had driven at between 31mph and 40mph in a 30mph limit.
Government data cited in the IAM RoadSmart report shows that speeding contributed to 40% of all road collisions in 2024.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within three years can be disqualified from driving.
Those caught exceeding the limit by a large margin face a fine of between 125% and 175% of their weekly income, along with six penalty points or a ban.
Serious cases can result in a dangerous driving charge and imprisonment.
Nicholas Lyes, Policy and Standards Director at IAM RoadSmart, 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.”
“Speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads. Inappropriate or illegal speed not only increases risk, it also means the driver is not fully in control of their vehicle.”
“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.”
North Wales Police has not provided a breakdown of speeding enforcement figures for the force area.
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