Somerset: M5 drivers caught by police speeding over 100mph
The drivers, snared on the M5 during Operation Tempo, were all breaching the speed limit.
PC Dan Cox of the force called on motorists to reflect on the impact of their conduct.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Speed causes serious injuries.
“The more you can scrub off speed across the county, people will still have their collisions but they will be at a slower speed, therefore injuries will be less severe.”
He revealed that many drivers have been stopped for hitting 100mph on the M5 during Operation Tempo, and the highest daytime speed went up to 107mph.
A motorcyclist was also apprehended after driving at 120mph after dark.
PC Cox expressed shock at drivers’ disdain for safety, especially noticeable in wet conditions.
He said: “I’ve seen no material difference from some drivers in the wet weather[1] on the M5 in particular.
“Something’s not working in the mind of the drivers.”
He informed that 53 people had already lost their lives on roads in the Avon and Somerset force area this year.
Most of the people stopped were “oblivious” to their high speed, often citing they were “late for an appointment”.
AS Police Roads Policing echoed Cox’s sentiments in a post on X, previously called Twitter.
They wrote: “These speeds are total madness in this weather (more at 100mph+), perfect ingredients for aquaplaning!
“93 from #OpTempo in 1 hr at Taunton[2].
“We’ll complain when the motorway is congested or closed.”
Meanwhile, volunteer-led community groups are helping with the efforts against speeding.
David Cundle, the coordinator for Somerton Speedwatch, said: “We are here to advise and remind people that it is a town, it is a 20mph limit, and the part they are driving on has no footpath and there are pedestrians – elderly people, mums with prams, people walking their dogs.”
They would, however, appreciate more police support.
PC Cox informed the Speedwatch volunteers’ data was paramount when planning operations, saying that the scheme is “flourishing”.