SAFETY campaigners are calling for tougher penalties for speeding motorists after several drivers were clocked travelling at more than 100mph on Dorset’s roads.

The highest speed recorded by police in the past 12 months was 120mph on the A35 at the junction with the A350–50 miles above the limit.

Two more drivers were clocked speeding at 109mph and 107mph respectively on the Puddletown bypass.

Another speeder was stopped while doing 106mph on the A37 at Staggs Folly in a 60mph zone.

Across the country a motorist in on the M25 at Swanley holds the record for the highest speed clocked by a speed camera in England and Wales between April last year and May this year.

The figures were released by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Speed limits are a limit. They are not a target to beat. Unfortunately this message has not got through to many motorists and it’s clear that efforts to make speeding as socially unacceptable as drink driving continue to fail. “That’s why we need sustained campaigning by the government, motor industry and charities to keep ramming home the message that excessive speed kills. “Catching speeders at two or even three times the limit also shows the importance of keeping speed cameras at well-known black spots.

“The current guidelines on sentencing for excessive speeding offences are out of sync with modern roads, modern vehicles and society’s view of the value of lives lost in crashes. We all share the roads with these speeding drivers and the government must crack down on them with more consistent penalties and tougher measures to break their addiction for speed.”

• The highest speed recorded on 30mph road was 96mph on the B1288, on Leam Lane, Gateshead • The highest speed recorded on a 50mph road was on the A414 Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire where a motorist clocked 119 mph • The highest speed recorded on a 60mph road was 127mph on the A413 Wendover By-Pass, Wendover The guidelines to magistrates on sentencing for speeding include: • 70 mph road: For driving between 101 and 110 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.

• 50 mph road: For driving between 76 and 85 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.

• 30 mph road: For driving between 51 and 60mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.