April 16, 2020 3.00 pm This story is over 47 months old

Lincolnshire speeding doubles under coronavirus lockdown

Traffic has reduced by 60%
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Speeding has doubled on Lincolnshire’s roads under the coronavirus lockdown despite a reduction in the amount of traffic by two thirds, according to police chiefs.

Deputy Chief Constable at Lincolnshire Police and chairman of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum Jason Harwin told the BBC today there had been a 32% reduction in reported crime over the three weeks of coronavirus lockdown.

However, he said that despite officers seeing a 60% reduction of traffic, there had been a “doubling in the use of excessive speed.”

He said there were two clear messages the force was trying to push.

“You shouldn’t be on the roads unless this is essential travel,” he said.

“And if you feel because the roads are empty, it’s a playground for speed, well, that is not the case.

Lincolnshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin.

“You don’t just put yourself at risk and other people at risk, but ultimately you face the risk of us catching you speeding and ultimately the consequences through the criminal justice process.”

Lincolnshire Police are reminding residents that there are only a limited set of circumstances in which people can leave their homes.

They are:

• Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

• Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

• Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

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