SPEEDS captured on detection devices are among the worst officially recorded in Northern Ireland or Britain, revealing a new level of recklessness, according to a leading motoring organisation.
Vehicles were captured moving at up to 164mph while one was clocked at 158mph going past a primary school at a time when the youngest children are picked up.
Hundreds of vehicles were captured on the speed indicator devices (SIDs) travelling in excess of 100mph, including past four schools. The AA said the revelations are "appalling".
“Some of the worst speeds officially recorded in the UK on roads that include schools is appalling enough," said Luke Bosdet, an AA spokesperson.
"But these speeds being recorded at lunchtime and early in the evening is a new level of recklessness and stupidity. What the Irish News’ investigation reveals is that SIDs are not powerless road signs that speeders can ignore. They highlight to the police where and when extreme behaviour is taking place, allowing targeted enforcement on those roads. And for those caught, don’t expect any sympathy in the courts.”
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Most council areas, through Police and Community Safety Partnerships, own and manage SIDs. Information from devices is passed to police.
SIDs are illuminated roadside devices that record a speed but do not capture the plate number or the type of vehicle. The aim is to remind drivers and riders of the speed so that they will slow down.
The speeds are so high it is believed many of the vehicles must be motorcycles.
Figures obtained by The Irish News reveal a device on Ballynahinch Road outside Saintfield in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council captured two vehicles travelling at over 160mph, others at more than 150mph and 85 in excess of 100 mph.
In the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area, speeds of up to 160mph were caught by devices.
Other council areas either did not reveal the speeds or did not respond to requests for information. Mid Ulster District Council provided comprehensive figures.
In the last 12 months "214 vehicles were recorded at speeds over 100mph. The top five speeds (mph) recorded were 162, 161, 156, 154 and 152", the council revealed.
One driver or motorcycle rider was detected speeding at 158mph past a primary school at the time its youngest pupils would usually be picked up.
The device placed close to Sacred Heart PS in The Rock near Dungannon caught several vehicles moving at more than 110mph, including the one at 158mph at 1.42pm on a Tuesday between September and December 2021 - almost the exact time the Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils finish.
"I am just dumbfounded,” said principal Joey Kelly. "I just cannot get my head around this. I am only recently appointed and did not know there was a speed device placed outside but there are grounds for me to get some sort of safety measures put in place."
