‘Speeds like this are shocking’: 779 speeding offences in two days of heavy rain

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded 779 speeding detections across Northern Ireland on two days earlier this year when heavy rain weather warnings were in place, spanning all 11 policing districts.

Figures released by the PSNI show that on 30 January and 6 February — both subject to official weather warnings for heavy rain — hundreds of motorists were caught exceeding the speed limit despite difficult driving conditions.

High speeds recorded during poor weather

Superintendent Jonathan Wilson said officers detected “some really high speeds”, including one motorist travelling at 97mph on 30 January.

He said:

“Despite weather warnings, drivers put their lives and other road users’ lives at risk by speeding in what were difficult driving conditions. We detected some really high speeds, including 97mph on 30 January. Speeds like this on any day are shocking, let alone on a day when there’s a weather warning in place.

“In addition to the excess speed detections, which were made by officers and Road Safety Camera Vans deployed as part of our Operation Lifesaver road safety patrols, we also detected a range of other motoring offences. These included driving while under the under the influence of drink/drugs, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and driving without insurance.

“It’s frightening to know there are drivers in our communities who continue to be so reckless on our roads. Driving requires 100 per cent of our attention and focus at all times - anything less has the potential to be fatal.

“We are appealing to all drivers, especially as we continue to experience poor weather conditions, to remember the fatal five so you can keep yourself, your passengers and all other roads users safe - never ever drink/drug drive, slow down, don’t get careless, always wear your seatbelt and stay off your mobile phone, or any device or anything that can distract you.

“Making sure you do all you can as a driver and road user to ensure your journey is safe should be a priority at all times. Do not think the worst will not happen to you, because it can.”

Operation Lifesaver patrols

The speeding detections were made by officers and Road Safety Camera Vans deployed as part of Operation Lifesaver road safety patrols.

In addition to speeding offences, police identified a range of other motoring violations, including drink and drug driving, mobile phone use behind the wheel, failure to wear a seatbelt and uninsured driving.

The figures highlight ongoing road safety concerns during periods of severe weather, when reduced visibility, standing water and longer stopping distances can significantly increase the risk of collisions.

Police have reiterated their appeal for motorists to adjust their driving behaviour during adverse conditions and to follow the “fatal five” safety messages aimed at reducing serious and fatal road traffic incidents.