A third of drivers think speeding by 10mph is acceptable

Almost one in three motorists believe that a driver travelling in a 20mph zone should only be punished if they are 10mph or more over the speed limit, according to a survey by insurer Allianz.

The survey asked drivers to reflect on their attitude toward speeding as the company reveals the most common attitudes and behaviours among UK motorists.

Almost one in three motorists believe that a driver travelling in a 20mph zone should only be punished if they are 10mph or more over the speed limit.

Many 20mph speed limits are found near schools and hospitals where travelling at a reduced speed is important for the safety of children and other pedestrians. 

Other top speeding insights revealed by the research include:

• 74% of motorists believe it is acceptable to go over all speed limits by 5mph
• 65% of motorists nominated motorways as most likely to induce speeding
• 59% of drivers get frustrated with other motorists who stick to the speed limit.

Drivers give a variety of reasons for speeding, but the top three include seeing a clear and empty road in front of them, their speed creeping up and being late. The research has also revealed that more than one in10 drivers aged between 18 and 24 say they have been prosecuted for speeding at least twice.

Despite many drivers being prosecuted for speeding, UK motorists support limits being in place. For example, more than a third of motorists (35%) support compulsory speed awareness courses becoming standard alongside current penalties. And in in extreme cases of speeding, 74% of motorists agree there should be harsher penalties. Interestingly, a third of motorists think all new cars should be fitted with speed limiters.

Jon Dye, UK chief executive of Allianz Insurance said: "With 1 in 4 drivers saying they had been personally involved in an accident which involved excessive speed, motorists can help significantly reduce the number of accidents on Britain’s roads by driving within the speed limit."