Dorset Police have listed some of the reasons people have given for being caught speeding, including needing to get to a petrol station quickly because they were low of fuel, and worries over their KFC getting cold.
Officers from the No Excuse Team are targeting motorists who may have committed one of the fatal five offences, which cause serious injuries or deaths.
This includes excess or inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driving using your mobile phone, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and careless or inconsiderate driving.
Between Wednesday 24 July 2024 and Wednesday 6 November 2024, officers stopped 2,000 motorists who were suspected of driving over the speed limit.
During the 15-week period, officers recorded a number of vehicles travelling well over the speed limit, including 93mph in a 40mph zone on Ringwood Road and 52mph in a 30mph area outside a school in Weymouth.
Twice in one day on Saturday 28 September, two motorists were stopped for travelling at 100mph and 106mph on the Dorset Way and the Upton Bypass.
Recently, on Friday 1 November a double decker bus, which was carrying passengers at the time, was stopped for reportedly travelling at 43mph on a 30mph road in Weymouth.
The Force says officers from the No Excuse Team use a combination of enforcement and education to help reduce road traffic collisions and ensure motorists drive within the law. It adds it takes a smart intelligence-led approach to make the best use of its available resources. Enforcement activity is focussed on individuals who present the greatest risk to those who use the county’s roads.
Officers from the No Excuse Team also provide support to Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers who are deployed in over 100 locations across Dorset. The scheme is community driven, actively supported by Dorset Police, and allows members of the public to play their part in achieving the shared goal of reducing casualties on our roads.
Police Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, said: “There is no excuse for exceeding the speed limit and taking reckless actions behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Driving at excessive speed not only puts yourself in danger, but it also endangers other road users and increases the risk of a collision occurring. Not only that, the consequences of any collision are also likely to be more significant if the speeds involved are higher.
“We all too often see many families left suffering after deaths and life-changing injuries on our roads – just one collision is too many.
“We have heard many extraordinary excuses from motorists who are stopped after being suspected of driving over the speed limit, but we want to remind motorists that there is no excuse whatsoever.
“There is no legitimate reason to speed and increase your risk of seriously injuring or killing another innocent road user.
“We are committed to ensuring that our road networks are safe and we need your help as community intelligence helps us target those who are known to pose a significant risk. Our message is clear, drive within the law and arrive safely at your destination.”
Other excuses were that they were rushing for the toilet, or driving faster to dry their newly-washed bike.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “There is never any excuse for speeding; when you get into a car and exceed the speed limit you are putting your own and others at risk of serious injury or worse.
“Improving road safety is a priority for the people of Dorset, and I commend the No Excuse Team, along with all those including Community Speed Watch volunteers for their work to keep Dorset’s residents safe on the roads.
“Some of the speeds recorded in this update are shocking and I would urge all drivers to watch their speed and drive carefully. Lastly, I would encourage the public to report unlawful and dangerous behaviour you may see on the roads in Dorset; you could help save a life.”
(Picture – Dorset Police)
