New RAC analysis has revealed hundreds of thousands of drivers were caught travelling at dangerously excessive speeds on UK roads last year – data that could strike a worrying chord with fleet managers.
Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests to 33 police forces found that 271,341 drivers were caught travelling at 40mph or more in 30mph zones during 2025, while almost 33,000 drivers were recorded driving at least 30mph in 20mph limits.
Among the most serious offences were a driver travelling at 89mph in a 20mph zone in north Wales and another clocked at 114mph in a 30mph limit near a primary school in Leicestershire. Other drivers were caught exceeding 90mph on urban roads during daytime hours, highlighting the continuing risks posed by excessive speeding.
For fleet managers responsible for driver safety and regulatory compliance, the findings reinforce the importance of robust telematics, driver behaviour monitoring and ongoing training programmes.
According to official road safety data, speed was a contributing factor in 58% of all fatal collisions recorded in 2024, with drivers exceeding the speed limit responsible for one in five fatal crashes. In total, 185 people lost their lives in collisions where speeding played a role.
Previous RAC research also suggests speeding remains a widespread concern among motorists, with four in five drivers regularly witnessing excessive speeds on 20mph and 30mph roads. More than half believe a “culture of speeding” now exists on UK roads.
RAC Senior Policy Officer Rod Dennis said the latest findings demonstrate the need for stronger action against the most dangerous offenders.
“Our analysis shows some of the frankly chilling speeds some people are prepared to drive at,” he said. “The fact that some were recorded in residential areas, even near schools, underlines just how dangerous this behaviour is. These roads are often used by pedestrians and cyclists, making the potential consequences unthinkable.”
The RAC is calling for the Government’s forthcoming Road Safety Strategy to place greater emphasis on tackling excessive speeding and repeat offenders, including the introduction of Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology that can prevent vehicles from exceeding posted speed limits.
For organisations operating vehicle fleets, the data serves as a reminder that effective speed management is about more than compliance. Combining telematics, driver coaching, clear policies and regular performance reviews can help reduce collision risk, improve duty of care and protect both employees and other road users.
Photo by Mauro Sbicego on Unsplash
