Kent is one of the UK's speeding hotspots with "worryingly fast" speeds being recorded on the county's roads.

Some 53,590 tickets were handed out to motorists in the county last year, according to police figures seen by KentOnline.

It means Kent is the sixth worst place for speeding in the UK behind North Wales, Dundee, West Mercia, Surrey and West Yorkshire, according to a Freedom of Information request.

The City of London police issued the fewest number of speeding tickets last year, with 3,107 offences recorded.

The request for data was sent to 43 police forces in the UK and 19 responded.

It has also been revealed our area had the second highest speed recorded in a 70mph zone in the UK at 150mph, joint with Surrey. It's not clear if this record refers to Keiron Armstrong's high-speed dash along the M2 as he tried to evade police.

That was followed by Lincolnshire, which tracked a top speed of 149mph and Dundee which had 148mph recorded.

The highest speed recorded on the nation's roads is occupied by West Yorkshire, with 160mph recorded.

Jonathan Nolan, general manager of UK Carline, which requested the information, said: "Our research has certainly produced some eye-opening insight into the UK's driving habits, with some worryingly fast speeds being clocked by speed cameras up and down the country.

"We hope the statistics will make people think twice next time they consider speeding, particularly in more residential areas.

"Drivers should always stay safe on the roads by never exceeding the speed limits."

A spokesman for Kent Police has called on motorists to drive within the speed limit and the conditions on the road.

Superintendent Andy Reeves said: "The number of speeding tickets issued in Kent is an indicator of how many vehicles use the county's roads, which as the gateway to Europe, are among the busiest in the country and also include four motorways.

"We are committed to keeping motorists safe through regular traffic enforcement and the use of fixed and mobile speed cameras, and we constantly strive to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Kent's roads.

"Exceeding the speed limit is irresponsible and dangerous, and those who travel at the highest speeds risk not only a fine and points on their licence but also disqualification and a criminal record" - Supt Andy Reeves

"We therefore work closely with partner agencies on campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of speeding and also driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

"Exceeding the speed limit is irresponsible and dangerous, and those who travel at the highest speeds risk not only a fine and points on their licence but also disqualification and a criminal record.

"Road users have a responsibility to play their part too as speed limits are just that - limits, not targets.

"We would ask them to drive not only within the law but also to the conditions of the road to ensure they play their part in making our roads safe."

Last year analysis by this website of figures collected by the Department for Transport revealed Kent's roads had the most accidents in England.