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Kent drivers some of the fastest in the UK

Kent is one of the worst places in the UK for speeding, according to new figures.

Police caught more than 100,000 drivers breaking the speed limit between June 2016 and May this year.

It amounted to a 21% rise in offences - the second-highest in the UK - but are the county's cameras doing enough?

Kent's drivers are some of the fastest in the UK, but are our cameras doing enough?
Kent's drivers are some of the fastest in the UK, but are our cameras doing enough?

The research shows Kent also had one of the worst recorded offences - 152mph in a 70mph zone.

The project, carried out by comparison website GoCompare, looks at the impact of higher speeding fines and penalties, introduced in 2017.

According to the data, between June 2016 and May 2017, Kent Police recorded more offences in November than any other month.

More than 5,000 motorists were caught speeding, compared to 2,664 in December, which had the least offences.

Between June 2017 and May this year, 7,738 drivers were clocked breaking the law in July, compared to 2,007 in December.

Despite having more offences than most of the UK, Kent's speed cameras were far less active than elsewhere in the country.

Between June 2016 and May this year, the UK's most active camera, in Avon & Somerset, recorded a whopping 387,000 offences.

Kent's top camera, on the M25 clockwise at junction 5 (Sevenoaks/Tunbridge Wells), caught just 6,600 motorists speeding.

More than 100,000 Kent drivers were caught speeding between June 2016 and May this year
More than 100,000 Kent drivers were caught speeding between June 2016 and May this year

Chief inspector Richard Smeed, of Kent Police, said: "Kent has the biggest strategic road network in the country and officers tackle all types of offences, including speeding.

"Enforcement is carried out by all police officers who observe offences in the course of their duties, including volunteer officers from Kent Special Constabulary.

"It is disappointing that some people still make the decision to speed on our roads and it is vital that motorists take responsibility to drive not only within the law but also to the conditions of the road.

"Across Kent and Medway there are a number of fixed and mobile camera sites, which are managed by the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership.

"This is supported by 100 Community Speed-watch schemes across the county, as well as regular patrols on the motorways through Kent in both marked and unmarked vehicles.

"Kent Police and its partners are committed to keeping our roads safe and as well as enforcement, also carry out engagement, education and awareness campaigns to drive the safety message home.

"Road users must take responsibility for their own actions, and realise that their choice to speed can have catastrophic consequences for themselves and others."

To see the full project, visit www.gocompare.com

Have you noticed more drivers speeding in Kent? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @Kent_Online

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