New figures show that convictions for motoring offences in Wales and England rose by more than a fifth last year.

Analysis of Home Office data by the AA, shared with the PA news agency, found 565,440 drivers were successfully prosecuted in 2021, up 22% from 462,817 a year earlier.

PA says that included a 30% spike in convictions for causing death by dangerous or careless driving, while those for speeding – the most common reason for a court appearance – rose 24%.

Successful prosecutions for drug-driving increased by 51% year-on-year, with a 13% uplift in drink-drive convictions.

The overall increase in convictions coincided with a rise in traffic during 2021, after coronavirus lockdowns caused a sharp fall in journeys during the previous year.

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said the figures are “a clear and stark warning to drivers that the law will catch you”.

(Picture – Jenoptik)