A few miles per hour over speed limit could leave 'a lifetime of heartache' says grieving Wisbech family

Speed remains a contributory factors in serious and fatal collisions across the country.

Jamie Butcher was just 22-years-old when he was hit by a motorist travelling 58mph on a 30mph road almost five years ago in Wisbech.

His stepfather Steve Green said: “When Jamie popped out to the cash point one Sunday afternoon, we never dreamed it would be the last time we would see or speak to him.

“Jamie was the perfect son and had a bright future ahead of him.

“Being behind the wheel of a car is like guiding a missile. Just a few miles per hour over the limit and you might shed a few seconds off your journey but you’ll leave people like us with a lifetime of heartache.”

Inspector Phil Bloor said: “When driving on built-up roads, assume the limit is 30mph until you see a sign saying otherwise. Remember the limit could also be 20mph.

“You are four times more likely to die if you are hit by a vehicle at 40mph as opposed to 30mph.

“While I’m sure the majority of motorists have heard this saying, the fact remains that it is true - it’s 30 for a reason.

“If you kill someone while speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences. Remember that speed limits are there for a reason.”

Nationally in 2014, the total number of people killed where speed was a contributory factor was 1,651. The total number of those seriously injured in an accident where speed was a contributory factor was 20,120.*

Last year, 72,366 people were issued with tickets for speeding on 30mph roads across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH), with speeds as high as 90mph being clocked.

The BCH Road Policing Unit are urging people to slow down and help reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads by thinking 30.

Top Tips from RoSPA

* Check your speedometer regularly

* Know the limits - look for signs

* Assume lamp posts mean 30mph

* Speed limits are a maximum

* 20’s plenty when kids are about

* Slow down when entering villages

* Give yourself time