'Watch your speed' plea in Derbyshire after surge in number of 100mph-plus drivers

During the coronavirus pandemic, forces across the country saw speeds rise on emptier roads – with some recording extremely high speeds of well over 100mph.

Now as more people head out onto the highway Derbyshire police officers are asking motorists to take extra care when it comes to their speed as part of a national campaign.

Chief Inspector Jim Thompson, who leads the county’s roads policing team, said: “Speeding is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions in the UK.

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“On a far too regular basis officers from our force have to deliver the news no family wants to hear – that their friend or member of their family is never coming home.

“Speeding, put simply, is a choice. Our request to you is to make the right one.

“Those who decide to break the speed limit are putting not only themselves but every other road user in danger.

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“Over recent weeks we have seen an explosion in the use of bicycles and more people out walking in our towns and villages – as well as the nearby countryside.

“Many of those out and about are families with young children and we know from many years of road safety advice that the chances of surviving a collision at 30mph are dramatically better than the same collision at 40mph.”

From Monday, May 25, officers will step up visible speed enforcement activity for two weeks, focussing on roads and areas where speeding is known to be an issue or there is a history of serious collisions.

Chief Insp Thompsaon added: “My request, and the request of every single member of the force, is to watch your speed. Drive to the conditions on that particular day and ensure that you are aware of those around you.

“The vast majority of those who are involved in collisions never think it will happen to them but time and time again we see lives wrecked because of one wrong choice – don’t regret a decision that you could so easily have been avoided.”