The Police and Crime Commissioner’s £188,000 investment, to double the number of speed camera vans in the West Midlands, to prevent and tackle crime and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads, has already seen thousands of careless, dangerous or reckless drivers held to account, for breaking the law, by driving at excess speed and putting themselves and other people at risk of being killed and seriously injured.
Last month, Commissioner Simon Foster, invested in four new mobile speed camera vans, to double West Midlands Police’s fleet of vehicles to eight in total. In doing so, the PCC has vastly increased the capacity, to detect crime, in the form of excess speeding offences in the West Midlands.
Data has now revealed, a 31% increase in careless, dangerous or reckless drivers being prosecuted for excess speeding in our region. In January 2025, 2,820 offences were recorded but, following the PCC’s investment, figures have dramatically risen to 3,199 in February 2025 and 3,696 in March 2025, highlighting the unacceptable, ongoing issue of drivers putting themselves and other people at risk of being killed and seriously injured by insisting on driving, at excess speed in the West Midlands.
One vehicle was clocked driving at a shocking and staggering, 130mph in a 50mph zone in Solihull.
The data reveals alarming instances of extreme speeding, on several key roads:
- Small Heath Highway, Birmingham: 82mph recorded in a 40mph zone
- Newton Road, Sandwell: 83mph recorded in a 40mph zone
- Collector Road, Solihull: 130mph recorded in a 50mph zone.
- Coundon Wedge Drive, Coventry: 84mph recorded in a 40mph zone
Motorists held to account, for breaking the law and exceeding the speed limit, face serious consequences, including:
- Disqualification from driving
- Mandatory attendance on a speed awareness course
- A criminal court conviction, including imprisonment
- A £1,000 fine
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who chairs the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group, emphasised the important role of the speed vans, in holding careless, dangerous or reckless drivers to account, detecting crime, improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
He said: “These figures highlight the vital role that our speed enforcement vans play, in detecting crime and keeping our roads safe. The investment in additional vans, illustrates my unwavering commitment, to reducing the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.
“Driving at careless, dangerous, reckless and unlawful speeds, is a major factor in road collisions, and West Midlands Police will continue to take robust action against irresponsible and thoughtless drivers, who appear to take the view that the law does not apply to them and in doing so, put themselves and other people at risk of death and serious injury. We must do everything possible to make our roads safe, so as to reduce the likelihood of people being tragically and avoidably, killed and seriously injured.”
West Midlands Police Traffic and Safer Travel Chief Inspector, Keeley Bevington, has urged drivers to adhere to speed limits.
“These numbers are deeply concerning,” she said. “Speeding is not just a minor infraction; it’s a dangerous and reckless act that can have devastating consequences.
“We are working tirelessly to enforce speed limits and hold offenders accountable. We urge all drivers to stick to the speed limit and prioritise the safety of themselves and others on the road.”
West Midlands Police will continue to deploy its speed enforcement vans across the region, focusing on known hotspots and responding to community concerns.
The force remains committed to working with partners to educate drivers and enforce the law, ultimately creating safer roads for everyone.
Road and travel safety remain one of PCC Simon Foster’s top priorities, as detailed in his Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029.
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