Driver films himself speeding at more than 200mph on UK motorway

'Emptier roads may lead to temptation for irresponsible drivers who do not foresee the consequences of their actions,' say police

Footage of an unknown driver who filmed himself hitting 201mph on a motorway in England has sparked an investigation by police.

The video was shared on social media and showed the driver driving with one hand on the steering wheel and his speedometer going from 61mph to 201mph on the nearly empty road.

Although fewer cars are on the roads due to the coronavirus lockdown, an increase in drivers breaking the speed limit on roads across the country has been reported by the RAC.

In a poll published last month, the RAC found 44 per cent of UK adults said they have seen more drivers speeding than before the lockdown was imposed.

Roads with 30mph limits were the most abused by speeding drivers, followed by 20mph and 40mph roads.

The video caught the attention of Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, the lead for road safety project Vision Zero, who tweeted on Thursday: “Aware of this horrific driving. I have tasked some investigative work to see if we can identify the car involved and relevant location.”

He added in a later tweet: “Investigative research confirms this horrific driving took place within @sussex_police area. I have spoken with the @SussexRoadsPol leadership team and shared the information gained so far and offered continued support. We remain in contact.”

Sussex Police told The Independent they are aware of the video and enquiries are ongoing to identify the driver.

Chief Inspector Michael Dodders said in a warning to drivers: “We urge drivers and motorcyclists to ditch the excuses and remind them we will be enforcing speed limits at high priority locations targeting those who present themselves to be a danger on the roads.

“Emptier roads may lead to temptation for irresponsible drivers who do not foresee the consequences of their actions. It only takes a split second for something catastrophic to happen.

“We must share the roads responsibly, with more pedestrians and cyclists outdoors, it is imperative we continue working together to reduce the pressure on the NHS and emergency services, so they can focus their efforts on saving lives and caring for our communities.”

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Since the government told the nation to stay at home many roads have become almost deserted so it’s a concern this is being seen by some as an opportunity to illegally ignore speed limits.

“It would only take a fraction of a second when driving well over the speed limit for something terrible to happen.

“Couple this behaviour with the fact there are many cyclists on our roads and more people are having to walk in the road to maintain a safe distance from others on pavements and you have a recipe for disaster.”