Police clock motorist doing 99 in 30mph street

Speeding motorists in Bedfordshire are putting lives at risk.

Beds police have revealed a dramatic rise in the level of speed in 30mph zones, with an incredible speed of 99mph being clocked in a 30 zone last year.

Up until 2012 the highest recording was 55 in a 30 zone.

Now motorists are being urged to slow down, THINK! 30 and save a life.

Speed remains a contributory factor in serious and fatal collisions across the country.

Nationally in 2014, the total number of people killed where speed was a contributory factor was 1,651. The total number of those seriously injured in an accident where speed was a contributory factor was 20,120.*

Last year, 72,366 people were issued with tickets for speeding on 30mph roads across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and

Hertfordshire (BCH), with speeds as high as 90mph being clocked.

The BCH Road Policing Unit is urging people to slow down and help reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads by ‘thinking 30’.

Inspector Phil Bloor said: “When driving on built-up roads, assume the limit is 30mph until you see a sign saying otherwise. Remember the limit could also be 20mph.

“You are four times more likely to die if you are hit by a vehicle at 40mph as opposed to 30mph.

“While I’m sure the majority of motorists have heard this saying, the fact remains that it is true - it’s 30 for a reason.

“If you kill someone while speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences. Remember that speed limits are there for a reason.”

Top Tips from RoSPA

Check your speedometer regularly

Know the limits - look for signs

Assume lamp posts mean 30mph

Speed limits are a maximum

20’s plenty when kids are about

Slow down when entering villages

Give yourself time