Police have increased patrols on parts of Greater Manchester's near-deserted roads because of what senior officers describe as dangerous levels of speeding during lockdown.
Traffic cameras across Greater Manchester have clocked 6,293 speeders since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the restrictions on March 23, according to GMP, which says some areas have seen a 57 per cent increase in speeding offences.
As the force announced patrols would be increased on the roads, it published traffic camera stills of some of the highest speeds clocked during the lockdown.
Four images showed cars going well over the limit on 70mph stretches of motorway: a soft-top Mercedes doing 114mph; a Vauxhall Astra doing 110mph, a BMW doing 112mph; another BMW topping 123mph.
A fifth image showed a Seat Leon doing 96mph on a 40mph limit dual carriageway.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has previously cited another example of a driver caught doing 129mph on the M62. Some drivers were using the empty roads 'like a race track', he said.
They are among 6,293 speeders clocked between March 23 and April 17.
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The M.E.N. asked but the force did not say whether this was up or down on the previous month. A statement said there was a 57 per cent increase in speeding in some areas although these were not specified.
All non-essential travel is prohibited as part of the UK lockdown.
GMP has said it is now stepping up patrols in hot spot areas because of some 'erratic' driving.
In a statement released by the force, Superintendent Julie Ellison from GMP’s Specialist Operations Team said: “At all times road safety in and around Greater Manchester is of paramount importance as speeding can have devastating consequences – not only does it increase the risk of collisions occurring, but it can affect the severity of those that do take place and in the worst case scenario can be fatal.
“In this current climate, keeping the pressure off our emergency services is so important whilst they keep the public safe and well. If someone is speeding and they have a collision, this will take up vital resources including NHS, fire and the police.
“Sadly we have seen a huge increase in speeding offences and numerous examples of drivers who are putting their own lives and others at risk – one recent example was a driver doing 115mph on a 40mph road and one reaching speeds of 129mph on the M62.
"The speed limits are there to save lives and should always be adhered to.
“My officers are working tirelessly to track down these offenders who are using the quieter roads as their own personal racetrack.
“We are working closely with our partners and the community to actively discourage them and would like to encourage the public to ensure they are reporting issues/ concerns in their local area so we can plan our traffic operations accordingly and make the best use of our available officers.
“Thank you for continuing to support us during this time and remember; stay home, save lives.”
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