Almost half of drivers admit speeding, says new AA survey

Nearly half of UK drivers (44%) admit to speeding in 20mph zones, according to a major new AA survey*, raising serious concerns about road safety in areas designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and children near residential or community areas.

The survey, of more than 10,500 drivers across the UK, found that drivers are more likely to speed in residential areas, but more than a third (35%) say they speed on 70mph roads.

Speed limit compliance peaked in 50mph and 60mph zones, with 65% of drivers in both categories stating they have not broken the speed limit in the last twelve months. This may reflect a perception that these limits are more aligned with natural driving speeds or road conditions, such as rural roads or dual carriageways.

This suggests that drivers are more likely to respect limits they perceive as reasonable or appropriate for the road environment. It also implies that more enforcement is required on roads where the speed limit is lower, as well as education for new drivers and those on speed awareness courses, about the rationale behind lower limits, which some often misunderstand or see as excessive.

'Was I going too fast? Sorry, I was running late.'

When asked why they exceeded the speed limit, the most common response was “I wasn't aware of the speed I was doing”, cited by more than two fifths (44%) of those who admitted to speeding. This was particularly common in 20mph and 30mph zones, where drivers have not adjusted to lower limits or failed to notice signage.

Other key reasons included:

• Belief that the speed limit is too low – 33%
• Empty roads – 30%
• Running late – 4%
• Peer pressure or trying to keep up with others – 3%

These findings suggest that some speeding is intentional, and some is due to incorrect driver perception. Drivers may not be consciously choosing to speed but are doing so because of habitual driving patterns, poor signage, or unclear road design. While many residential roads are designed to give clear advice of the speed of the road such as increased lampposts, tree lined streets and traffic calming devices, these reminders are not necessarily acknowledged when driving.

A significant portion of drivers cited “not being aware of their speed” as the reason for speeding — especially in 20mph and 30mph zones. This points to a lack of situational awareness, attention, or insufficient visual cues on the road. Additionally, a third (33%) believed the speed limit was too low, and 30% cited empty roads as a justification for exceeding limits.

There were notable differences across age and gender:

• Men were significantly more likely to admit to speeding than women (47% vs. 38%)
• Younger drivers (18–34) were more likely to speed in 20mph and 30mph zones
• Older drivers (65+) were the least likely to speed across all speed limits

The survey also asked drivers how much over the speed limit they believed was “acceptable and safe.” The results showed a worrying tolerance for minor speeding:

• In 20, 30 and 40 mph zones, most drivers believed up to 4mph over was acceptable
• In 50 and 60 mph zones, the average “safe” margin was 5mph above the limit
• In 70mph zones, it rises to 6mph

The data reveals a disconnect between driver perception and actual risk. Many drivers feel comfortable exceeding limits in low-speed zones, despite these being areas with high pedestrian and vulnerable road user activity. Small increases in speed can dramatically increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision. The AA has called for 1,000 more traffic officers to help improve safety and catch offenders in the act.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We can't afford to be complacent as speed kills. Every mile per hour over the limit matters and these figures are a wake-up call. Speed limits aren't optional – they're lifesavers.

“Whether it's a school run or on a quiet residential street, the difference between 20 and 30mph can be the difference between life and death.

“While many drivers don't speed maliciously, these findings show many are distracted, unaware of their surroundings, or simply not paying attention. That's why we need better driver attention, improved signage, clearer road markings, and smarter enforcement.

“Education is better than prosecution - rather than points on licences, drivers who are within the tolerance levels set by police forces, should be offered the chance to learn from their mistakes by taking a speed awareness course. Some 80% were more aware of their speed after a course and 79% would recommend the course ** with 65% of attendees saying they now driver slower because of what they learnt.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

* Yonder received 10,509 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13^th to 21^st May 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

** Yonder received 14,695 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 14^th to 21^st January 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.