POLICE are carrying out speed checks and urging drivers to keep within limits to reduce further strain on NHS staff from serious collisions.
The “vast majority” of motorists is abiding by the law on quieter and traffic-free routes, says West Midlands Police.
But the force adds: “We’ve acted on your concerns and intelligence to monitor speeding hotspots in an attempt to keep roads safe and people out of hospital.
“Unfortunately, this week we captured a driver doing 76mph in a 30mph zone in Bordesley Green; while a woman with a baby passenger was stopped doing 59mph along Stratford Road.
“Those caught speeding face fines, penalty points and even losing their licence; but it’s even more paramount to reduce the risk of a serious collisions so we can help our health service to save lives from Covid-19.”
Sergeant Jon Butler, from the road harm prevention team, said: “We’ve carried out more than 6,000 speed checks this week and it’s pleasing to see 97 per cent of drivers were within the limit and recognising the importance of keeping our roads safe.
“Unfortunately, concerns that some were speeding along traffic-free routes were found to be justified, with examples of reckless and irresponsible behaviour.
“An empty stretch of road can be tempting but speeding is not only illegal, but it greatly increases the risk of causing a serious collision. Don’t be in the minority who are risking lives and our NHS.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “Quiet roads are no excuse to use them as a racetrack.
“Speed remains one of the biggest killers on our roads and the utterly reckless and irresponsible drivers breaking the speed limit are putting the lives of themselves, pedestrians and other road users at serious risk.
“Just because the roads are quieter at the moment due to coronavirus does not mean that the speed limits no longer apply, speeding is much more obvious on quieter roads.
“There are more officers out on patrol looking out for speeding drivers and taking swift action.
“It is a minority of road users that do not obey the speed limit and put everyone’s lives at risk.”
