Number of drivers given points for speeding at its highest in four years

• DVLA data reveals a 32 percent increase in the number of drivers who were given points between 2022 and 2025
• Campaigners call out a “culture of speeding” in the UK and say a shift in mindset, as well as stronger enforcement, is needed to tackle the issue

The number of drivers caught speeding in England, Scotland and Wales is at its highest in four years, according to new data.

A freedom of information (FOI) request by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart to the DVLA revealed that there was a 32% increase in the number of drivers who were given points between 2022 and 2025.[i]

In 2022, 678,367 drivers were given an SP30 endorsement, the code for exceeding the statutory limit on a public road (excluding motorways which has a separate offence code). This compares to 939,519 drivers in 2025.

By comparison, 216,141 drivers were caught speeding on the motorway in 2025, a six percent decrease from the previous year, but a 29 percent increase since 2022.

Separate research from IAM RoadSmart showed that many more drivers are admitting to breaking the speed limit.

In the last 12 months alone, more than half of Brits (61%) confessed to breaking the 30mph speed limit.

Shockingly, a small minority (1%) confessed to doing more than 70mph in a 30mph zone and almost half (48%) said they had driven between 31-40mph.

The road safety charity surveyed 2,053 motorists in the UK for its 2025 Road Safety Report on their driving habits over the past year and found that speeding was commonplace.[ii]

Speeding is one of the most common causes of fatal and serious road collisions, contributing to almost half (40%) of all collisions in 2024 according to Government data.[iii]

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points. Motorists could be disqualified from driving if they build up 12 or more points within a period of three years.

Motorists caught exceeding the speed limit by a considerable amount may face a fine of 125-175 percent of their weekly income, along with six penalty points or a driving ban. Depending on the severity of the offence, it may result in a dangerous driving charge that can result in imprisonment.

IAM RoadSmart Policy and Standards Director Nicholas Lyes said:

“The fact that more people are getting points on their licence for speeding is incredibly concerning considering it can lead to life-changing consequences.

“It’s particularly worrying that so many people are breaking the law where 30mph limits apply, as these are populated with more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. What’s more, potentially millions more are admitting to speeding, but may be getting away with it.

“Speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads. Government data shows that speeding contributed to 40 percent of all collisions in 2024. Inappropriate or illegal speed not only increases risk, it also means the driver is not fully in control of their vehicle.

“While police cannot be expected to be everywhere, new ways to enforce limits should be considered – whether through average or fixed position cameras or alternative means.

“Above all, we need to see a shift in mindset; speeding carries serious consequences but the fact that it is so widespread indicates a cultural problem that needs addressing.”

Case study

Claire Corkery’s parents Sue, 68, and Tom, 61, were out walking their friend’s dog when they were killed by speeding driver, Scott Gunn, 38, on 20 January 2024. Gunn, who had reached 87mph in his BMW X5 shortly before the crash, was found guilty of death by dangerous driving and jailed for 16 years. The incident occurred on the 60mph limit Thurnham Lane, in the village of Bearsted in Kent.

Claire Corkery, 34, Communications Officer and mum of one from London, said:

“Two years ago, I lost my wonderful parents because of a speeding driver. The pain of their loss is still the same as the day I found out; it never lessens. It’s made worse by the pointlessness of it all. Like all road fatalities, my parents’ deaths were completely preventable. We need to start seeing speeding as morally reprehensible as other forms of dangerous driving, such as drink-driving – the consequences can be just as devastating.”

Ends

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