Motorists across England and Wales, outside of London, were caught committing a record 2.9 million motoring offences in 2024, with speeding accounting for the vast majority of infractions, new figures reveal.
Home Office statistics show a significant 9 per cent surge from the previous year’s 2.7 million total, marking the highest number recorded since comparable data collection began in 2011.
A staggering 2.5 million (86 per cent) of these incidents involved drivers exceeding the speed limit, also a new record.
More than half (51 per cent) of all offences led to drivers undertaking a retraining course.
Fines were issued in 37 per cent of cases, while 12 per cent resulted in court action. The data specifically excludes the Metropolitan Police Service in London, which utilises a distinct system for documenting such offences.
The Home Office said the force recorded nearly 600,000 motoring offences in 2024, a 19 per cent increase from 2023.
William Porter, policy and public affairs manager at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said the figures show there is “widespread disregard” for speed limits.
He went on: “We need a renewed focus on enforcement, education and driver behaviour.
“Without decisive intervention, we risk normalising dangerous driving habits that have devastating consequences.”
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis called on the Government to work with police forces to take “firm action” on speeding.
He said: “While enforcement through speed cameras has its place, greater visibility of police officers can also make a significant difference in changing driver behaviour.”
Most speeding cases result in offenders being given the opportunity to avoid prosecution by attending a speed awareness course, if they have not done so in the previous three years.
The courses typically cost between £80 and £120.
Churchill Motor Insurance said it commissioned a survey which indicated 31 per cent of drivers who attended a speed awareness course in the past three years were caught speeding again.
Department for Transport figures show speed contributed to 59 per cent of fatal crashes in Britain in 2024, which was more than any other factor.
Kevin Mead, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: “Speeding has a devastating impact on our roads, contributing to countless avoidable collisions, life‑changing injuries and needless loss of life.
“With more than 8,000 speed cameras now operating nationwide, the chances of being caught are higher than ever.”
Earlier this week, Transport for London (TfL) announced it will partner with the MPS to trial a new type of speed camera in up to 10 locations across the capital in the coming weeks.
Unlike conventional speed cameras, these radar-based models do not require a visible flash to capture the image of a speeding vehicle, and road markings are not needed.
They can also cover up to five lanes of traffic in two directions, whereas the cameras they are replacing can only monitor up to three lanes.
TfL said upgrading its speed cameras is “vital to maintaining strong, consistent enforcement”.
