By Lois Avery
Southerners are more likely to have speeding fines according to new research from Admiral Insurance.
As part of its annual survey of motorists, Admiral found that one in 10 drivers in the UK has a speeding conviction on their driving licence.
But the research found that where you live could affect your chances of having a conviction.
Statistics from the last five years show that southern postcodes, including areas in Dorset, Surrey and Hertfordshire, have the highest percentage of motorists with a speeding conviction.
Over a quarter of drivers in Radlett, Hertfordshire have been caught speeding, the highest percentage in Britain.
Areas with the least driving convictions include Small Heath in Birmingham, Wemyss Bay in Inverclyde and Cottingham in East Yorkshire.
As well as marking your licence for up to three years, a speeding conviction can push your car insurance premium up. Despite this, 87 per cent of those surveyed admitted to breaking the speed limit and 69 per cent said the speed limit on the motorway should be 80mph or more.
Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said: “We wanted to see if there was a pattern between where people live and the frequency of speeding convictions, and to see an area where over a quarter of drivers have a conviction is a real surprise.
“Our statistics show a worrying trend that people see a speed limit as simply a guide rather than a speed that's appropriate for that road. It's a wonder that the national average for speeding convictions isn't higher given this fact.”
