Speeding Driver Twice Over Limit Claims Actions Were 'Not Dangerous'

A motorist who was caught driving twice the speed limit on England’s A1 motorway told police his actions were “careless, not dangerous,” in new footage released by Durham Constabulary.

In the footage, filmed in January 2024, a speed camera van catches 30-year-old Louis Hayes driving 140 mph in a 70 mph zone on the motorway.

Hayes is confronted by police officers about 40 minutes later, according to the time stamps on the speed camera and on the bodycam footage.

When speaking to police, Hayes first says he does not recall driving on the motorway, then later claims he didn’t know he was driving that fast.

“I felt I was going maybe 80 or 90, or something,” Hayes tells police.

Hayes then expresses surprise when asked to describe his excessive speeding.

“I wouldn’t really say it’s dangerous,” Hayes says. “I’d say it’s more careless.”

The Durham Constabulary said Hayes had since appeared in court, been disqualified from driving for 12 months, and ordered to pay a

Video transcript

Did you see the speed on theology as possible?

If you did, would you slow down the potential you were seeing?

Yeah, like I. I didn't even know how fast I was.

Honestly to God, I did not know I was going on fast.

I don't think my colleagues explained, but, um, we've had information.

If you say that this vehicle has been driving at 100 and 40 mile an hour on the year one at some point in the day.

No.

Have you been driving this vehicle on the year one today?

Um, coming on the top on that?

No.

No, I probably actually this area.

Nobody else has had access to this vehicle this afternoon.

This morning.

Um, cos I'll be honest with you.

It's been clocked at 100 and 40 mile an hour on year one.

Um, by a speed C fund.

Have you been driving on the year one?

What?

What?

You call mate now?

Not from what you recall, but it's as well with me.

I'm under arrest 5151.

You're, uh, under arrest.

All on suspicion of dangerous drive.

Not here.

So you do not have to see anything but I mean on your defence.

If you do not mention one question something which lie in court and if you do see it may have given him.

Alright, We got all your pockets.

Lo IC C cannot catch a bird.

Do you know the speed limit of a motorway for a car?

Yeah.

What is that?

OK, How busy with the roads wasn't busy at all.

Ok?

There was no cars there, no cars at all in front of me for as far as I could see.

How would you describe your driving?

Riding at 100 and 40 miles an hour?

Surprising.

I didn't think I was going that fast.

I wasn't being careless because I was paying attention.

And But when you say I was going that fast, I'm more scared of like how fast I wa I didn't realise I was going that fast.

When you're in a car that that fast and you you put your foot down and you're there within seconds.

I wouldn't really say it's dangerous.

I'd say it's more careless of two months pain put in that position in the cars up so fast.

It felt like I was going Maybe a 90 or something.

Which to be fair, still speed.

Yeah, but it didn't feel like I was.

So there was simulation to things you say you're driving is careless but not dangerous in your opinion, just to clarify careless, not dangerous.

OK, what would make that dangerous for me?

I was intentionally so we're still going with care.

That's not dangerous in your opinion.

OK, so we've got no further questions for you, Lewis.