Driver caught speeding over Sunderland's Wearmouth Bridge at more than 80mph during coronavirus lockdown

A driver was caught speeding across Sunderland’s Wearmouth Bridge at 83.9mph – almost three times above the 30mph speed limit.
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Northumbria Police is warning speeding drivers that they will face prosecution as the force releases figures of extreme speeding on some of the region’s most iconic roads.

Quieter roads during lockdown have seen an increase in the average speed of motorists.

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One of the shocking figures includes a driver in Sunderland who was captured speeding across the Wearmouth Bridge at 83.9mph. The road is in a 30mph zone.

File picture: Driver caught doing more than 80mph over Wearmouth BridgeFile picture: Driver caught doing more than 80mph over Wearmouth Bridge
File picture: Driver caught doing more than 80mph over Wearmouth Bridge

Those caught speeding face prosecution or being asked to take part in a speed awareness course, where appropriate.

New measures mean these can now take place online but those found driving at excessive speed will face an appearance at court.

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Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of our Motor Patrols Department, said: "The vast majority of people are respecting the stay-at-home measures in place to help stop the spread of Coronavirus and ultimately save lives.

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“This has inevitably led to a reduction in the number of motorists on our roads, with the overwhelming majority driving safely.

“However, unfortunately, there will always be individuals who believe the laws of the road do not apply to them - there can be no excuse to speed or drive in an irresponsible manner.

“The figures we are releasing today should put into context some of this behaviour. Nobody should think it is acceptable to drive at 90mph on the Tyne Bridge or Wearmouth Bridge.

“Our enforcement of speeding will continue and those that travel at extreme speed will face a formal prosecution, others may be appropriate for online speed awareness courses.

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“We will continue to patrol our region’s roads and do everything we can to ensure they remain as safe as possible for those who still need to use them at this time."

Other speeding figures in the region include:

- A motorcycle captured travelling at 92.6mph on Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge which is a 40mph zone.

- A car captured travelling 82mph on the 50mph stretch of the A189 Spine Road in Northumberland.

- A car travelling at 83mph on the 50mph stretch of the A1 near to the junction for the Metro Centre.