Police brand video of car travelling above 200mph on M23 as 'one of the most appalling' examples of dangerous driving

“This is one of the most appalling examples of dangerous and irresponsible driving we have ever seen in Sussex."
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Those were the words of Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, after shocking video footage emerged on social media, appearing to show a car travelling at 201mph on the M23 southbound between Gatwick and Crawley.

While 'no date has been provided', police said the incident is believed to have occurred at some point during the coronavirus lockdown.

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Police are now reminding all motorists to drive safely and responsibly, whilst enquiries continue to identify the driver and 'bring them to justice'.

Sussex Roads PoliceSussex Roads Police
Sussex Roads Police

Chief Inspector Hodder said: “Driving at such grossly excessive speeds hugely increases the chances of being involved in a collision, and it’s extremely fortunate the driver has not killed or seriously injured themselves or someone else.

“We have a team of specialist roads policing officers who will fully investigate this footage with a view to identifying and bringing the driver to justice.”

According to Sussex Police, a total of 1,393 speed-related collisions were recorded in the county last year – the highest number in the county since 2009. Of these, 315 resulted in serious injuries and 18 in fatalities.

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Chief Inspector Hodder added: “While the vast majority of motorists stay within the speed limits, there is a small minority who put themselves and others at risk. There is no excuse for speeding at any time.

“We urge drivers and motorcyclists to ditch the excuses and remind them we will be enforcing speed limits at high priority locations, targeting those who present themselves to be a danger on the roads.

“It only takes a minor lapse in concentration or a slight error of judgement to cause a collision. Speed kills, it’s as simple as that.”

Along with Surrey Police, Sussex Police said it has invested more money into the roads policing unit over the last year, enabling officers to take 'proactive action' to reduce the impact of the ‘fatal four’ offences – speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt – during this crisis and beyond.

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The forces are supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s nationwide speeding campaign, which runs throughout May.

A spokesperson said: "Police have received a number of reports of speeding drivers since the lockdown began, and anyone with any information about offences committed in Sussex is urged to report on the Operation Crackdown website, quoting Operation Checkmate.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online."

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