Motorist, 98, caught speeding through county

A 98-year-old was caught speeding in Suffolk, according to new figures obtained by the BBC.

The pensioner was clocked exceeding the limit on one of the county's roads in 2023.

The youngest offender in the same year was 17 years old, Suffolk Police data shows.

The force's records also show 687 motorists were caught travelling at more than 100mph in the county between 2019 and 2023.

Of those 687, some 110 were registered on a speed camera, 76 by a safety camera mobile operator, and 424 by police officers.

The fastest speeds were all seen on the A14 in the west of the county, ranging from 120 to 147mph on both carriageways between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket.

Nationally, statistics gathered by the BBC South East Investigations team show at least 24,000 drivers were caught going over 100mph in the same five-year period.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: "The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this government.

"There's no excuse for those who risk the lives of others through speeding.

"We continue to assess how motorists can benefit from the latest technology, ensuring journeys are safe, reliable, and cut emissions."

Data from the DfT covering Great Britian also reveals 1,321 people died in crashes where a driver was exceeding the speed limit between 2019 and 2023.

An National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson said: "The key fact that stands out is that each and every one of these incidents is completely avoidable.

"Driving in excess of the speed limit is a conscious decision, you can choose not to do it and many lives can be saved as a result.

"Every casualty is one too many and we all have a responsibility to keep each other safe on the roads."

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