There were fewer motorists convicted of speeding in Norfolk last year, new figures show – despite a record high nationally.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice show 5,564 motorists caught exceeding the limit by police on the county’s roads were convicted in courts for speeding offences in 2022.

That was down slightly from 5,605 the year before, which was the highest number of convictions for the area in the past eight years.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: 97pc of motorists taken to court ended up being convicted97pc of motorists taken to court ended up being convicted (Image: Newsquest)

But it comes as many 20mph speed limits have seen no speeding drivers being taken to court.

Last year Norfolk police pledged a greater focus on motorists speeding through villages aiming to make rural roads safer.

READ MORE: Village speeders in sights of police after almost 17,000 clocked

Chief constable Paul Sanford said: "These drivers pose a danger to themselves, and other road users and we will always look to prosecute dangerous drivers where we can.”

Nationally there was a 16pc rise with 236,480 motorists convicted in court, the highest since at least 2014.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Excessively high speeders can be disqualifiedExcessively high speeders can be disqualified (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Overall, 97pc of motorists in Norfolk who had court proceedings for speeding ended up being convicted of the offence, the figures show.

Most people caught speeding are handed a £100 fine and either penalty points or invited to participate in a speed awareness retraining course but serious cases often end up in court where drivers can be banned or fined up to £2,500.

READ MORE: Ferrari among speeders clocked over 100mph on A11 and A47

Those disqualified in Norfolk for excessively high speeds in the past 12 months have included Ferrari and Porsche supercar drivers clocked doing well over 100mph.  

Great Yarmouth Mercury: No convictions have been secured against drivers breaking 20mph limitsNo convictions have been secured against drivers breaking 20mph limits (Image: PA)

The RAC Foundation said the number of convictions made for "grim reading".

Road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: "While it is clearly wrong to be just a few miles an hour over the limit, arguably it is prolific excessive speeders who are putting people’s lives in danger.

"An increase in these drivers will have frightening consequences for the safety of our roads."