One million get penalty points as speeding hits high

Nearly one millions drivers were caught speeding last year, and that doesn't include those caught while driving on the motorways.

The number of drivers caught speeding in Great Britain has risen sharply over the past four years, with new DVLA data reveals a 32% increase in endorsements for speeding on public roads between 2022 and 2025.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by IAM RoadSmart show that 939,519 drivers in England, Scotland and Wales received an SP30 endorsement in 2025, up from 678,367 in 2022.

SP30 is the offence code used for exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road, excluding motorways. The speeding offence code for exceeding the speed limit on a UK motorway is SP50.

The data suggests that speeding remains part of everyday driving behaviour, however, more than 336bn miles were driven by cars and vans in 2024, according to The RAC, and that number is expected to rise for 2025 figures.

IAM RoadSmart said the number of speeding offences point to a growing “culture of speeding” in the UK, with campaigners warning that stronger enforcement alone will not be enough unless driver attitudes also change.

While offences on ordinary roads rose sharply, motorway speeding showed a more mixed picture.

In 2025, 216,141 drivers were handed SP50 motorway speeding endorsements, down 6% on the previous year but still 29% higher than in 2022.

Separate research carried out by IAM RoadSmart indicates the issue goes well beyond those who are actually caught.

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In its 2025 Road Safety Report, based on responses from 2,053 UK motorists, 61% of drivers admitted to breaking the 30mph speed limit in the previous 12 months.

Almost half of respondents (48%) said they had driven between 31mph and 40mph in a 30mph zone, while 1% admitted to travelling at more than 70mph in a 30mph limit.

According to Government data cited by IAM RoadSmart, speed was a factor in 40% of all collisions in 2024.

For van drivers, many of whom, spend long hours behind the wheel, the figures are a reminder that even low-level speeding offences can quickly add up.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points, but more serious offences can result in six points, a disqualification or a fine worth 125% to 175% of weekly income.

While in the most serious cases, excessive speeding can lead to a dangerous driving charge, carrying the risk of imprisonment.