Increase in speeding convictions across Essex
There's been a 36% increase from 2021 to 2022.
New analysis reveals that the number of drivers charged with speeding offences in Essex has reached an alarming eight-year high.
In 2022, a staggering 6,241 motorists nationally were convicted in court for speeding, marking a significant 36% increase from the previous year's figure of 4,604.
These statistics represent the highest number of convictions since at least 2014.
Among the regions in the UK, Essex has experienced a significant rise in speeding convictions. In 2021, there were 4,604 convictions, whereas in 2022, the number rose to 6,241, representing a notable 36% increase.
Out of the total of 6,241 motorists who appeared in court for speeding offences nationally, 74% (4,604 drivers) were convicted. For motoring offences in general, 95% of drivers received fines in 2022. The severity of the fine depends on the speed limit where the offence occurred and the extent to which the driver exceeded it. Typically, fines are calculated as a percentage of the driver's weekly income, capped at £1,000 (£2,500 for motorway speeding). Interestingly, the average fine for motoring offences decreased from £341 in 2021 to £326 in 2022.
The minimum penalty for speeding in is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to the driver's licence. If drivers plead not guilty after receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for speeding, they must appear in court. Notably, the overall custody rate for motoring offences in Essex was just one percent, and the average sentence length for those convicted was 8.3 months.
The analysis also highlights demographic patterns among speeding offenders. Three out of four drivers (74%) convicted for speeding offences were men. Additionally, over half of the convicted drivers (51%) were aged between 30 and 50 years old, while one in five (20%) were aged between 18 and 29.
Experts have expressed concern over the worsening issue of speeding. He noted that while many drivers inadvertently exceed the speed limit, some cases end up in court due to more serious or contested situations.
The data demonstrates that drivers appearing in court for speeding offences are usually convicted, and the fines imposed are steep.