Merseyside drivers have committed thousands of speeding offences over the last two years, according to data.
A Freedom of Information request by the ECHO to Merseyside Police revealed the top 10 locations for speeding in the area in 2021 and 2022 so far. Some roads were more likely than others to catch drivers out – appearing in lists for both years.
According to the government website, the maximum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your licence. If you build up more than 12 points over three years you could be disqualified from driving.
READ MORE: Driver caught doing 108 mph in a 30 mph zone
But if you passed your test in the past two years, your licence will be withdrawn if you build up six or more points. Inspector Carl McNulty from the roads policing unit at Merseyside Police said there is "no excuse" for speeding as it can have "catastrophic consequences on the lives of others".
Top of the list for 2021 and 2022 was Garston Way/Dock Road. In 2021 the road amassed a huge total of 15,372 speeding offences – and so far in 2022 has recorded a further 3,388 offences.
In 2021 the Garston Way speed camera’s fastest snap was a vehicle travelling at 65mph in its 30mph zone. Liverpool City Council said in February 2020 the start of the 40mph speed limit was moved to the other side of the Garston Way/Dock Road junction, meaning drivers have been caught out by the 30mph limit remaining in force for longer than previously.
Other roads that made the list included Leeds Street/Vauxhall Road – which placed second in 2021 with 7,983 offences and third so far in 2022 with 2,358. This was also the place where the most drivers went through red lights, with the camera picking up 277 offences in 2021.
The M62 motorway featured high up the list with 3,452 offences in 2021 (third place) and 3,300 already in 2022 (second place).
Here’s the top 10 places with the most speeding offences for 2022:
The top ten places with the most speeding offences for 2021:
But one speeding camera only caught one speeding driver in 2021. Bottom of the list for speeding offences was A57 Liverpool Road/Princess Drive with a single offence.
So far in 2022 Gorsey Lane/Richard Martin Road (Southbound) has the fewest speeding offences, totalling at only five.
Inspector Carl McNulty said: “Our message is very clear - there is simply no excuse for speeding and it can have catastrophic consequences on the lives of others. Our Roads Policing Unit patrols the roads of Merseyside 365 days a year to protect people and regularly help bring to justice those who threaten the safety of road users by driving recklessly and at speed.
“It is in everyone’s interests to keep our roads safe. The drivers themselves, other road users and pedestrians will all be a lot safer if those who drive at speed are subject to enforcement.
"Issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for speeding at fixed camera locations is one of many measures we take to create a safer environment for everyone to use our roads. Complying with speed limits, driving with regard to other, more vulnerable road users and to the prevailing traffic conditions is critical if we are to achieve this.
"We’re optimistic that those drivers who comply with the speed limits at fixed camera locations will continue to do so elsewhere in Merseyside. A popular misconception is that speeding and other fines go straight into the funds of Merseyside Police. This isn’t the case, and they are in fact paid directly to government.
"If you should qualify for a speed awareness course instead of a fine, your fee pays for the cost of the training, with any surplus invested in schemes such as our Drive Safely for Longer scheme for over 60s, and Bikesafe coaching for motorcyclists. In addition to fixed speed cameras, we also use mobile speed cameras and regularly deploy officers with speed guns to locations across Merseyside.
"This means that our officers can educate and engage with motorists, enforcing legislation where necessary. It is absolutely vital that everyone takes responsibility for their actions on the road, both with regard to speed, concentration and not driving impeded by drink, drugs or the use of mobile phones and other devices.
"You can also follow the Roads Policing Unit @MerPolTraffic and the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership @Merseysidersp on Twitter or visit their website https://merseysideroadsafety.org/ for advice and updates. They will answer any queries via DM, on any issues."
