Warning issued to anyone in UK driving on Saturday and Sunday

Motorists heading out on the roads this weekend have been issued a major warning with new data showing drivers are more likely to speed on Saturdays and Sundays. New statistics from the Department of Transport, analysed by experts at LeaseLoco.com, showed that a whopping 86% of drivers exceeded the 20mph speed limit at the weekend.

Drivers are also travelling faster on 30mph roads in urban areas with 50% of motorists breaking limits on Sundays, up from 42% midweek. The analysis found that almost half of drivers tend to exceed speed limit rules on motorways over the weekend. The statistics showed that 48% breach the 70mph speed limit on Saturdays and 49% on Sundays - an increase from 43% compared to weekdays.

John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco.com said: “While the majority of drivers respect speed limits on all types of road during the working week, it seems things do change at weekends.

"Once the weekend rolls around, people are driving faster on every type of road as they rush to meet friends and relatives or pursue their leisure activities.

"It might be because a different type of driver is more likely to be out on the roads at the weekend, or it could just be down to people being less cautious at the weekends and hitting the accelerator because the roads might be quieter, so there are fewer traffic jams."

LeaseLoco has warned that leisure driving and weekend plans could be a factor that was leading to riskier driving behaviour on UK roads.

However, the DfT data found that speeding was far less common on single-carriageways.

Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine for breaking the rules with bills starting at a £100 on-the-spot charge.

Just 11.5% of drivers using these single-carriageway roads go above the speed limit on weekends with 9% breaking the law midweek.

John added: "Whatever the reasons behind it, these figures show evidence of a worrying trend. Accidents can happen on every day of the week, and drivers need to be vigilant at all times when they are out on the road.

"So we are warning drivers to slow down when they are out and about at the weekends and to make sure they reach their destinations safely."