April 08, 2026 - 277 views
New figures have revealed a sharp rise in the number of drivers caught speeding across the UK, with campaigners warning of a growing “culture of speeding” that is putting lives at risk on roads in Wales and beyond.
Data released by DVLA following a Freedom of Information request by IAM RoadSmart shows that the number of motorists issued with penalty points for speeding has increased by 32 per cent between 2022 and 2025.
In 2022, more than 678,000 drivers received an SP30 endorsement for exceeding the speed limit on public roads. By 2025, that figure had risen to more than 939,000, the highest level recorded in four years. While motorway speeding offences fell slightly compared to last year, they remain significantly higher than in 2022.
Although the figures cover England, Scotland and Wales, the findings have particular relevance for Welsh communities, where rural roads, coastal routes and busy town centres all present different risks. In North Wales, roads across areas such as Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire regularly see a mix of local traffic and visitors, especially during holiday periods, increasing the potential for speeding-related incidents.
Separate research carried out by IAM RoadSmart suggests the issue may be even more widespread than official figures show. More than half of drivers surveyed admitted breaking 30mph limits in the past year, with a small number even confessing to driving at more than twice the speed limit in built-up areas.
Safety experts say this is especially concerning because 30mph zones are typically where the most vulnerable road users are found, including pedestrians, cyclists and children. Government data indicates that speeding was a contributing factor in around 40 per cent of all collisions in 2024.
IAM RoadSmart’s policy and standards director, Nicholas Lyes, said the scale of the problem highlights the need for both stronger enforcement and a shift in driver attitudes. He warned that while police cannot be everywhere, more use of technology such as speed cameras could help, but ultimately drivers must recognise the serious consequences of their actions.
In Wales, where road safety remains a key issue for both the Welsh Government and local authorities, there has already been a push towards safer streets, including the rollout of 20mph limits in many residential areas. The latest figures are likely to add to ongoing debates about enforcement and driver behaviour, particularly as communities continue to raise concerns about speeding in towns and villages.
Campaigners say the human cost behind the statistics should not be forgotten. Cases involving fatal collisions linked to speeding continue to underline the devastating impact on families, with many calling for speeding to be viewed in the same way as other dangerous driving offences such as drink-driving.
With more drivers being caught and many more admitting to breaking the law, road safety groups are warning that without action, the problem could continue to grow. For Wales, where roads connect rural communities, tourist hotspots and busy urban centres, the challenge will be balancing enforcement, education and infrastructure to keep people safe.
