Reckless motorists speeding on empty roads in Hertfordshire during lockdown

In one case a motorist on Great Cambridge Road (A10), in Cheshunt, was recorded as travelling at 124mph in a 40mph zome.

On the A41 – which passes through Watford and Hemel Hempstead – motorists have been caught travelling at 102mph and 112 mph – more than 30mph in excess of the 70mph speed limit.

Elsewhere in the county police point to a motorcycle that was recorded as travelling at 81 mph on 30mph London Road, in Bushey.

And a car has been recorded as travelling at 98 mph in a 50mph zone on thr A414, in Stanstead Abbots.

The number of motorists using the roads since the start of lockdown, on March 23, has steeply declined.

And Chief Inspector Jon Roche, Head of the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, says a minority of road users are using the fact that roads are quieter than usual as an excuse to drive dangerously.

But he warns that police officers are continuing to patrol the county’s roads and will not hesitate to take action against those who act in this “irresponsible” way.

“While traffic might be different, the rules of the road remain the same,” he said.

“Their reckless behaviour not only puts their lives at risk, but the lives of others, many of whom are vital key workers who are travelling to and from work.

“Our advice to everyone is to stay home as much as possible and if you have to travel, do it safely.”

At a meeting of the cabinet on Monday (April 20) it was reported to county councillors that there had been an increase in vehicle speeds on Hertfordshire’s road network, associated with the reduction in traffic.

And following the meeting the county council’s executive member for highways Cllr Phil Bibby said the county council aimed to “crack down” on it.

As well as a speed awareness campaign across the county and messages on road signs, he says police will be asked for ‘additional enforcement’.

And he stresses that all of the county’s fixed speed cameras are “maintained and operational” – even during the lockdown.

“The roads are more empty and people seem to think there’s no need to go slow – and that means they are probably exceeding speed limits,” said Cllr Bibby.

“But there is still traffic on the roads and people taking to them for exercise.”

Cllr Bibby says that most people will only have increased their speed by a few miles-per hour.

But he stresses that every additional mile-per-hour on the speedometer will increase the severity of a collision and any injury.

As a result of the lockdown and social distancing requirements the county council had to cancel face to face speed awareness courses.

But – according to the report to the cabinet – now there are plans to deliver those courses online.