The number of drivers convicted for speeding has reached an eight-year high, new figures show.

Some 236,480 motorists were successfully prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit in England and Wales in 2022, according to analysis of Government data by Churchill Motor Insurance.

That represented a 16% rise on the total in 2021 (203,545) and was the highest in records dating back to 2014.

This data shows that drivers who appear in court for speeding are usually convicted, and the fines are deservedly steep

The RAC said the figures indicate there has been a rise in serious speeding cases.

Nottingham was the police force area that saw the largest year-on-year increase in 2022, with the number of convictions more than doubling from 4,089 to 9,444.

This was followed by Gloucestershire (up 100%), Leicestershire (up 92%) and Derbyshire (up 86%).

The analysis found that nearly three out of four people taken to court for speeding were convicted.

Most people caught speeding are handed a £100 fine and either penalty points or offered to participate in a retraining course.

But cases involving serious incidents or motorists denying exceeding the limit often end up in court, where fines can reach a maximum of £2,500 for speeding on a motorway.

Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: “Speeding is one of the main causes of road accidents and our research suggests that the problem is getting worse.

“Many drivers accidentally creep above the limit rather than speeding deliberately.

“While most people receive a fixed penalty notice for speeding, more serious or contested cases end up in court.

“This data shows that drivers who appear in court for speeding are usually convicted, and the fines are deservedly steep.”

The fact the number of court convictions has risen in just a year seems to imply an increase in the proportion of serious cases having to be dealt with in legal proceedings

RAC road safety spokesperson Simon Williams said: “These figures make for grim reading as speeding is a contributory factor in far too many road collisions.

“The fact the number of court convictions has risen in just a year seems to imply an increase in the proportion of serious cases having to be dealt with in legal proceedings.

“While it is clearly wrong to be just a few miles an hour over the limit, arguably it is prolific excessive speeders who are putting people’s lives in danger.

“An increase in these drivers will have frightening consequences for the safety of our roads.

“And, although it’s positive that those breaking the law are being caught, it would be far better if drivers just stuck to speed limits as they are there for good reason.”