Results from a pan-European speed control operation last month show that more than 665,000 drivers were detected for breaking speed limits.
A total of 23 countries took part in the operation, which was coordinated by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL).
Of the final total of 664,703 detections, 247,911 were made directly by police officers and 416,792 came from automatic technical means.
TISPOL President, Javier Sanchez Ferragut, reminded drivers that speed was one of the ‘big three killers’ in the road environment.
“The speeds you use are your choice. No one can tell you to drive above the speed limit. Research has shown that complying with speed limits could save nearly 6,000 lives a year. That’s why the police forces of Europe are committed to use the resources at their disposal to ensure sustained and rigorous enforcement of speed limits.
“If you do speed in excess of the speed limit, for the road condition or the weather conditions – or all three – then you must be prepared to live with the consequences if you are subsequently involved in a car crash or detected by the police,” he said.
“Every day, police officers knock on the doors of homes across Europe, delivering the catastrophic and life-changing news that a loved one has been killed in what was almost certainly an avoidable road collision. Excessive or inappropriate speed is frequently the main cause or a contributing factor. If your tendency is to speed when driving, then consider the possible consequences – if not for yourself then for your loved ones – before your next journey.”
The TISPOL Organisation was established by the traffic police forces of Europe in order to improve road safety and law enforcement on the roads of Europe.
