Dual Carriageway Drama
On Saturday evening, a driver on the A26 Lisnevenlagh Road near Kilrea, County Londonderry, was stopped by police. The vehicle, a red Mitsubishi Evo, was travelling at 135mph, a speed Police Service of Northern Ireland's NI Road Policing and Safety unit noted as nearly double the limit. The driver’s stated purpose for this velocity? A trip to collect Chinese takeaway. This individual now faces a court appearance and a potential driving ban.
Emerging Patterns?
Separately, on Sunday, November 10, 2025, an 'R plate' driver was detected at the same speed – 135mph – on the M1 motorway. This motorist, having held a licence for less than five months, was stopped by Road Policing Officers conducting speed checks. Police described the incident as "dangerous driving" with potential for "serious or even fatal consequences." The matter is being referred to the Public Prosecution Service.
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Background Noise
The juxtaposition of these incidents – one a hurried meal retrieval, the other a newly qualified driver on a major route – invites contemplation on the various pressures and impulsivities behind extreme speeds. The use of 'R plates', signifying new drivers, adds a layer of concern, hinting at a possible mismatch between newly acquired freedoms and underdeveloped judgment.
While one account involves a specific, albeit unusual, errand, the other paints a broader picture of reckless behaviour on a primary transit artery. The ‘R plate’ driver’s actions were explicitly labelled as "completely reckless" by authorities. The third article, a forum discussion thread, touches upon the technical aspects of speed and driver concentration, offering anecdotal colour to the broader discourse on velocity and its justifications.
