British Drivers Feel the Need For Speed

AUTO CENTRAL – September 3, 2008: A survey has revealed that the majority of British motorists are living life in the fast lane – with 71 per cent of those questioned admitting to breaking the speed limit on more than a quarter of all journeys.

The study, carried out by RoadPilot Ltd – Europe’s leading provider of speed camera and safety data to the automotive satellite navigation industry – found that the 70 miles-per-hour limit in place on dual carriageways and motorways is the main point of contention with motorists, with 60 per cent saying that this limit should be raised.

RoadPilot’s findings are consistent with figures recently released by the Department for Transport, which have shown that during 2007, 72 per cent of cars travelled above the motorway limit.

“The research shows that speeding, particularly on motorways, is a common vice among UK motorists,” comments James Flynn OBE, CEO of RoadPilot. “Given the number of people that admit to speeding on a regular basis, and that there are more than 10,000 fixed and frequently-used mobile speed camera sites on UK roads, there is potentially a very large number of people in danger of being fined, incurring penalty points or even losing their licences.

“Taking into account the cost of a speeding fine, and the subsequent increase in insurance premiums that many drivers face after being caught, the RoadPilot microGo speed camera locator helps drivers protect their wallet as well as their licence.”

The survey also found that 68 per cent of motorists believe that warnings from a speed camera locator would help them better adhere to local limits.

When not in alert mode, the RoadPilot microGo helps drivers to be more aware of their speed in relation to local limits by displaying the vehicle’s precise speed, to a greater degree of accuracy than the car’s standard speedometer.

With reported thefts of portable technology (e.g. satellite navigation and speed camera detection units) from parked vehicles becoming increasingly commonplace, the “plug and go“ microGo is reassuringly easy to carry or move from car to car, especially when compared to bulkier rival devices.