Drivers caught doing 130mph are reckless, PCC says

A sharp rise in the number of drivers prosecuted for speeding on West Midlands roads has prompted police warnings against the "dangerous and reckless" behaviour.

Police data revealed some of the motorists were caught driving at "extreme speeds" of up to 130mph (209.2km/h) in 50mph (80.4km/h) zones.

More than 3,600 offences were recorded in March 2025, an increase of 31% on figures from January, police data showed.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster said the rise in prosecutions was due to an £188,000 investment in speed camera vans.

In January, 2,820 speeding offences were recorded, rising to 3,199 in February and 3,696 in March, the data showed.

One motorist was discovered speeding at 84mph (135.1km/h) in a 40mph (64.3km/h) zone on Coundon Wedge Drive, Coventry, while another was caught doing 130mph in a 50mph zone on Collector Road, Solihull.

Others were seen driving at 82mph (131.9km/h) in a 40mph zone in Small Heath Highway, Birmingham, and 83mph (133.5km/h) in an 40mph zone on Newton Road, Sandwell.

Ch Insp Keeley Bevington, of West Midlands Police's traffic and safer travel unit, said the numbers were "deeply concerning".

"Speeding is not just a minor infraction; it's a dangerous and reckless act that can have devastating consequences," she said.

"We urge all drivers to stick to the speed limit and prioritise the safety of themselves and others on the road."

PCC Simon Foster said his investment had doubled the number of speed camera vans in the region from four to eight.

He said police would continue to take "robust action" against "irresponsible and thoughtless" drivers.

"Driving at careless, dangerous, reckless and unlawful speeds, is a major factor in road collisions," he added.

"We must do everything possible to make our roads safe, so as to reduce the likelihood of people being tragically and avoidably, killed and seriously injured."

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