Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, lead for vision zero, investigator for fatal and serious road collisions, and tackling transport network crime across London, has revealed that since congestion has dropped in the capital due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the average speed of drivers is above the legal limit.
Supt Cox said police trackers, across 50 different locations in London show the average speed of drivers is now at least 50% above the limit, this includes some of the new 20mph zones.
Cox wrote on his Twitter page: "Example Bishopsgate 20mph zone, average speed 37 overnight & 36.8 during day."
He went on to describe such speeding offences as "selfish acts", pointing out that the risk of having a fatal crash would have an impact on the NHS and police during such testing times.
The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) commented on the offences highlighted by Cox, challenging the current speed limit in the capital.
Writing in reply, the ABD wrote: "Clearly the speed limit is inappropriate if so many people ignore it. Limits should be set at the 85th percentile of free flowing traffic to ensure compliance and maximise road safety."
Transport for London(TfL) introduced new lower speed limits across the central London TfL road network on 2 March.
In a joint commitment with TfL to eliminate death and serious injury from London's roads, the Metropolitan Police have been targeting dangerous, careless and illegal driving across the capital.
