A driver speeding at a shocking 140mph on the A14 in Suffolk during the coronavirus lockdown has been branded as “utterly irresponsible”.

Police data obtained by the RAC revealed two-thirds of forces in the UK caught drivers speeding faster than 100mph in the first three weeks of lockdown.

The highest speed recorded was by West Yorkshire Police, who said a motorist was speeding at 151mph on the M62.

Department for Transport figures revealed traffic on the UK’s roads was around two-thirds lower than the average after the lockdown came into effect on March 23.

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams described the speeds as “truly shocking” and warned that motorists travelling this fast have “virtually no time to react should anything unexpected happen”.

He added: “Some drivers have taken advantage of quieter roads to speed excessively, putting the lives of others at risk at the worst possible time.

“It’s encouraging that so many police forces have taken firm action even during the lockdown, which sends a strong message to other would-be offenders.”

Inspector Gary Miller, from NSRAPT, said: “Over the course of the lockdown we have seen a significant reduction in traffic on the roads.

“However, we have seen an increase in the speeds people have been travelling. It seems some people have not been taking care.

“This is a minority that were offending, but because it was so quiet they stood out more.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, added: “Driving at this speed is utterly irresponsible and outrageous.

“There are fewer vehicles on our roads at present, which should have a positive impact on road safety during this critical time.

“However, it does seem some irresponsible individuals see the clearer roads as an opportunity to drive at excessive speeds and I’d like to warn them that Suffolk’s roads policing team continue to enforce speeding and if you are caught you will be prosecuted.

“These drivers are a serious threat not only to themselves but to all other road users, and frankly they are a public menace and need treating as such.”

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