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Driver caught doing 135mph in a 50 zone as region's worst offenders revealed

A driver was clocked doing 135mph in a 50mph a zone, new figures detailing the region's worst road offenders have shown.

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Ten drivers were caught doing at least 120mph

The reckless motorist was caught close to three times the limit on the A452 in Birmingham.

The driver was one of 10 who have been caught doing at least 120mph in the West Midlands during 2019. Nine of the 10 were confirmed as being men, while the gender of the 10th driver was not known.

It comes as police forces in the region prepare to launch their anti-drink-drive messages in the run-up to Christmas and new year.

The next worst offender was clocked travelling at 128mph on a 60mph section of the M42, between Junctions 6 and 7. Another was caught doing 125mph on the M6 between Junctions 6 and 9.

Three drivers were clocked at 123mph, one where the variable speed limit was set at 60mph on the M6 between Junctions 4 and 5 and the others at 70mph limits on the M6 Toll.

Others reached speeds of 120mph on the A38 Aston Expressway heading into Birmingham and on the M5 between Junctions 2 and 3, between Oldbury and Halesowen.

The figures from West Midlands Police showed the speeds and locations where the worst offenders were caught. However, details of what action was taken against the drivers was not provided.

The amount of officers out on the roads is expected to increase over the next few weeks with more drivers likely to get behind the wheel after having a drink during the Christmas period.

An operation was launched by West Midlands Police in August aiming to tackle speeding near pedestrian crossings.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie said at the time: "Cracking down on drivers who speed and reducing the number of injuries on the road is a priority for me.

"I am committed to keeping our roads safe and campaigns like this are a vital tool to help us catch those who endanger the lives of others.

"The majority of motorists do drive responsibly, this operation is about cracking down on the minority who are putting lives at risk.

"Those who break the law and put people’s lives at risk will face the appropriate consequences."