Priti Patel slams ‘extraordinarily dangerous’ drivers putting lives at risk during lockdown as she reveals one car was clocked at 134mph in a 40mph zone and also pays tribute to PC who died in crash
- Priti Patel said in London one Covidiot was racing at 134mph in a 40mph zone
- The home secretary also said that one driver was clocked at 151mph on the M1
- She paid tribute to a South Yorkshire Police motorcyclist killed earlier this week
- Pc Matt Lannie, 40, died following a crash in Ecclesfield, Sheffield, on Tuesday
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Priti Patel today slammed ‘extraordinarily dangerous’ drivers hitting speeds of up to 151mph as they use Britain’s quieter roads as their ‘personal race tracks’.
The home secretary revealed that on Covidiot was clocked at 151mph on the M1 while another in London was racing at 134mph in a 40mph zone.
She said: ‘Police and fire (services) continue to put their arms around people and our communities by taking people shopping and taking prescriptions to the elderly.
The home secretary (pictured today) said in London one Covidiot was racing at 134mph in a 40mph zone
‘Driving ambulances and supporting those in need throughout this difficult time – I’m immensely grateful to each and everyone of our emergency service heroes.’
Ms Patel also paid tribute to the South Yorkshire Police motorcyclist killed as he responded to an emergency earlier this week.
Pc Matt Lannie, 40, died following a collision in the Ecclesfield area of Sheffield on Tuesday as he responded to reports of a car failing to stop for officers, police have said.
South Yorkshire Police said he was responding to reports of a silver BMW failing to stop for officers at about 1pm on Tuesday when his bike was in a crash with a blue Toyota Avensis.
The officer was pronounced dead shortly after the crash on Nether Lane. The Toyota driver, 59, was taken to hospital with minor injuries, the force said.
Ms Patel tweeted at the time: ‘The saddest news. Deeply tragic & my thoughts are with the family of this distinguished officer.’
Police forces across England have also paid tribute to the officer.