In Avon and Somerset, a record number of drivers were convicted of speeding offences last year, according to recent data.

The RAC Foundation expressed concern over the increase in convictions across England and Wales, stating that it made for "grim reading" due to the significant role speeding plays in road accidents.

Ministry of Justice figures reveal that 10,566 drivers were caught by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and convicted in courts for speeding offences in 2022. This represents a 61% increase from the 6,578 convictions the previous year and the highest number since comparable records started in 2014.

In total, 50% of the 21,251 motorists in Avon and Somerset who faced court proceedings for speeding were convicted of the offence.

Most people caught speeding receive a £100 fine and either penalty points or an invitation to participate in a retraining course.

However, cases involving serious incidents or motorists denying speeding often end up in court, where fines can go up to a maximum of £2,500 for speeding on a motorway.

The RAC's road safety spokesperson Simon Williams said: "The rise in court convictions within a year implies an increase in the proportion of serious cases being dealt with in legal proceedings."

"While being a few miles an hour over the limit is clearly wrong, it is arguably prolific excessive speeders who are putting people's lives in danger. An increase in these drivers will have frightening consequences for the safety of our roads," he added.

He further stated that while it's encouraging to see drivers being caught for violating speed limits, it would be better if they simply adhered to them.

Across England and Wales, 236,480 drivers were convicted in court for speeding in 2022. This was a 16% increase from the 203,545 convictions in 2021, marking the highest number since at least 2014.

Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: "Speeding is one of the main causes of road accidents and our research suggests that the problem is getting worse."

"Many drivers accidentally exceed the limit rather than speeding deliberately," he added.

"While most people receive a fixed penalty notice for speeding, more serious or contested cases end up in court. This data shows that drivers who appear in court for speeding are usually convicted, and the fines are deservedly steep."