Driver clocked at 115mph in 40mph zone in Sussex
He was spotted driving 'like a maniac' in the Ashdown Forest
A dangerous driver has been disqualified after he was recorded travelling at 115mph in a 40mph zone in Sussex's Ashdown Forest.
Police were conducting routine speed checks on the A275 at Chelwood Gate on September 14th, 2020 when the incident occurred.
This was in response to community concerns about speeding and antisocial driving in the area, which is well used by other motorists, cyclists, horse riders and walkers, as well as a large variety of wildlife including deer.
Around 5.40pm that day, PC Phil Edwards, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit (RPU), was dealing with a motorist while PC Richard Trundle, also from RPU, monitored other traffic.
At this point, he witnessed a blue BMW 135 overtake another vehicle, before continuing towards him at high speed.
PC Trundle – wearing high visibility clothing – stepped out and signalled for the BMW to stop. Although it failed to do so, he did manage to record the number plate in order to deal with it later on.
He also managed to record its speed at 115mph, which is almost three times the 40mph limit.
Shortly afterwards, a member of public approached the officers and advised she had witnessed the same BMW driving “like a maniac”.
The incident was dealt with slow time and the driver was identified as 26-year-old Kieren Higgins, of Ansley Close in South Croydon.
He admitted he was responsible and following a police interview, he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in court on March 18th.
He was given an interim disqualification ahead of sentencing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (May 5th), where he was further disqualified for 12 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay fines totalling £190.
PC Trundle said:
“Dangerous and antisocial driving affects everyone; not just those responsible, but also other road users and the communities which have to endure it. We are mindful of the impact it has on the welfare and wellbeing of people who live in towns and villages across Sussex, as well as the increased risk of collisions occurring.
“That’s why we listen to our communities and respond by carrying out proactive patrols 365 days a year with two aims: to keep everyone safe and to deal robustly with those who misuse our roads.
“Higgins was almost three times the speed limit and that moment of stupidity has now cost him his ability to drive. It also means he now has a criminal record, which is likely to affect things such as future employment, insurance costs and even travel.”