Drivers speed more in 20mph zones than any other limits
It comes as councils across the country continue to push for blanket 20mph restrictions across their towns and cities.
The poll of more than 10,500 drivers uncovered that 44 per cent admit to breaching 20mph limits, which is more than twice as many who speed in 50mph areas.
It comes as drivers are restricted to 20mph on half of London roads. Labour-ran Birmingham, which already has 20mph limits for a third of its city streets, is also exploring extending the restriction across its network, while Glasgow has announced it will introduce 20mph limits on all major roads while the Scottish Government assesses whether to make it a nationwide fixture.
While the theory that reducing residential limits from 30mph will bolster safety, the introduction of blanket 20mph zones has proven unpopular in the past.
Wales imposed its country-wide 20mph restriction in 2023 at the cost of £34million. However, it reversed the decision less than a year later, with some roads reverted back to 30mph following a public backlash. Campaign group '20's Plenty for Us' recently estimated that one in three Britons (around 28 million) live in local authorities with 20mph limits already in place.
London is very much pioneering the implementation of lower speed limits in city areas. Since 2018, TfL has introduced more than 164 miles of 20mph zones, and over half of London's roads now have 20mph speed limits. In May, it reported that people killed or seriously injured on borough roads fell by 34 per cent following implementation of 20mph limits - and claimed the lower speed restriction had not increased congestion. Jeremy Leach from 20's Plenty for Us said: 'This latest research from TfL backs up other studies that show streets are safer with 20mph speed limits and more people able to walk, wheel and cycle and to be active.'
However, the AA's study published today highlights that drivers are most likely to speed on 20mph roads - and residential areas in general.
Percentage of drivers who exceed speed limits
20mph: 44%
30mph: 38%
40mph: 24%
50mph: 21%
60mph: 22%
70mph: 35%
Source: AA poll of 10,500 UK drivers
As well as the 44 per cent who speed in 20mph zones, 38 per cent of those polled said they knowingly break 30mph limits, which the motoring group said is a major concern for the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and especially children walking to and from school.
When driving out of town, the study suggests motorists are far more conscious of adhering to speed restrictions.
In 40mph zones, just 24 per cent say they speed. In 50mph limits, only 21 per cent go over the restriction. And on stretches of road governed by 60mph limits, 22 per cent admit they drive faster. But on motorways, the nation's fastest-moving roads, driver attitude towards the speed limit is more relaxed. More than a third (35 per cent) say they speed on 70mph stretches. Away from the inherent dangers of doing so, speeding on M roads comes with greater risk of fines and penalty points with the widespread adoption of 'smart' motorways, which have variable speed limits that can change at the drop of a hat.
Motorists were also asked how far over the speed limit they deem is 'acceptable and safe'.
In 20, 30 and 40mph zones, most drivers believed up to 4mph over was acceptable. For 50 and 60mph limits, the 'safe' margin was 5mph over, while on 70mph routes this allowance rises to 6mph.
When asked why they exceeded speed limits, the most common response was 'I wasn’t aware of the speed I was doing,' which was cited by more than two fifths (44 per cent). 'This was particularly common in 20mph and 30mph zones, where drivers have not adjusted to lower limits or failed to notice signage.,' the AA said.
In rebuttal, motorists often argue that adhering to a 20mph restrictions in a modern car can be difficult, with minimal acceleration typically resulting in exceeding the limit due to already travelling a relatively pedestrian speeds.
Other excuses given by the panel of drivers included the belief that the speed limit in place is too low (33 per cent), and the road being quiet (30 per cent) at the time. Running late (4 per cent), peer pressure, and following the speed of the vehicle in front (3 per cent) were also reasons provided. There are notable differences in attitudes towards speed limits across age and gender profiles, too.
Men are significantly more likely to admit to speeding than women (47 per cent versus 38 per cent respectively), and it's the youngest motorists on the road (18 to 34 year olds) who are statistically most likely to speed on residential streets. Over 65s are least likely to go over the limit in any zone, the report found.
More education and increased policing in 20mph zones
Road casualty statistics show that speeding is the biggest factor in traffic deaths and injuries.
In 2023, more than half (56 per cent) of fatal collisions were linked to one of three speed-related factors: exceeding the speed limit; driving too fast for conditions; and driving aggressively, dangerously or recklessly.
It means 809 of the 1,441 fatal collisions on Britain's roads are attributed to motorists driving too fast.
The AA concluded from its findings that more enforcement is required on our roads, especially where the speed limit is lower. It called for 1,000 more traffic officers to help improve safety and catch offenders in the act. However, it also said improvements should be made to driver education, explaining in greater detail to learners and those sitting speed awareness courses the rationale behind lower limits, which some often misunderstand or see as excessive.
Edmund King, AA president, said: 'We can’t afford to be complacent as speed kills. Every mile per hour over the limit matters and these figures are a wake-up call. Speed limits aren’t optional – they’re lifesavers.
'Whether it’s a school run or on a quiet residential street, the difference between 20 and 30mph can be the difference between life and death. 'While many drivers don’t speed maliciously, these findings show many are distracted, unaware of their surroundings, or simply not paying attention.
'That’s why we need better driver attention, improved signage, clearer road markings, and smarter enforcement.'