A driver was apprehended after being caught travelling at a dangerously high speed of 136mph on a West Midlands road, marking one of the most extreme cases of speeding recorded in the area in recent years.
The motorist was found to be driving at more than double the 60mph speed limit on a single-carriageway road within the West Mercia policing jurisdiction, which includes Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Police data indicates that excessive speeding is widespread across rural single-carriageway roads, which are often fast but present various hazards. Speeds exceeding 100mph have been documented by police forces nationwide over the past five years.
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These alarming figures have reignited discussions about whether the national 60mph speed limit on rural single-carriageway roads might be too high and if a lower limit should be introduced for safety reasons.
A recent survey revealed that over half of drivers (55%) believe the default 60mph limit on such roads is excessive. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds (64%) expressed support for a blanket reduction of speed limits on rural routes.
Data obtained from 32 police forces by insurance firm Ageas showed that 342,700 speeding offences were recorded on 60mph single-carriageway roads between 2021 and 2025. The highest recorded speed was 144mph in North Yorkshire.
However, these figures likely represent only a fraction of the true extent of speeding, as many rural stretches lack speed cameras, and police resources are limited in covering all areas simultaneously.
Consequently, some drivers deliberately exploit these conditions to drive at excessive speeds. Crashes at such high speeds can lead to devastating consequences, a reality witnessed within the region in recent times. Risks are particularly high on fast rural roads that often feature blind bends and frequent overtaking, posing significant dangers to all road users.
Jonathan Price of Ageas UK emphasised, “Rural roads present unique, fast-changing hazards, from hidden junctions and farm machinery to cyclists, walkers, and animals around blind bends. Our research shows many drivers feel uncomfortable driving at speed on rural roads. Adjusting speed according to road, weather, visibility and traffic conditions helps reduce accident risk and keeps our roads safer.”