Motorists have been warned about ignoring speed limits during the coronavirus crisis.
People should only be using their cars to make essential journeys, which Sunderland City Council says has seen road traffic in the city centre down by 62%.
However, this reduction in traffic has seen some motorists ignoring speed limits, and drivers have been observed driving an average of 38% faster in March this year than in March of 2019.
While many drivers are observing normal speed limits, comparing traffic speeds on Sunderland’s roads between February and March 2020 there is a noticeable average increase of 8mph.
Campaign group Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) said since the North East went into lockdown, there had been a notable shift in both driver and pedestrian behaviour on the region’s roads.
More pedestrians are walking, cycling and jogging on roads in order to stay a safe distance from others, so it is more important than ever for motorists to drive safely, and road users are being urged to be mindful of their speed.
Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for environment and transport, Councillor Amy Wilson, said: “It is appreciated that the majority of residents are adhering to the lockdown and only making essential journeys.
“However, we must remind road users to be responsible and drive within existing speed limits.
"This will help reduce the risk of road traffic collisions and the involvement of emergency services at a time when there are unprecedented demands on the NHS due to covid-19.”
