Speeding Drivers Caught on Derry Road: The Truth Behind the ‘Chinese Takeaway’ Excuse

In recent months, multiple drivers in Derry have been caught speeding at extreme rates, each offering the same unusual justification: they were on their way to collect a Chinese takeaway. While the excuse has drawn public attention and even humor, the underlying issue is serious — excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of road traffic fatalities in Northern Ireland. This article examines the verified incidents, the legal consequences of such offences and what authorities are doing to deter dangerous driving.

Verified Incidents of Extreme Speeding in Derry

Several high-profile cases have emerged where drivers were recorded travelling at vastly excessive speeds on Derry roads, with claims linking their urgency to food collection.

Driver Clocked at 135mph on A6 Road

In one confirmed case reported by the BBC, a motorist was detected travelling at 135mph on the A6 dual carriageway near Derry — well over double the 70mph speed limit. The driver claimed they were rushing to pick up a Chinese takeaway before it closed. Police confirmed the speed via calibrated radar equipment and issued a court summons for dangerous driving.

Motorist Caught at Over 215km/h (134mph)

Another incident, covered by the Irish Mirror, involved a driver clocked at over 215km/h (approximately 134mph) on a Derry road. The individual told officers they were heading to collect a takeaway meal. Authorities dismissed the explanation as irrelevant to the offence, noting that no circumstance justifies such extreme speed.

Additional Reports of Excessive Speed

Local news outlet The Journal reported further cases where drivers were stopped for travelling at double the speed limit, with similar excuses given. While not all details were independently verified, PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) has acknowledged a pattern of reckless driving linked to non-essential journeys, including food pickups.

Legal Consequences of Speeding in Northern Ireland

Speeding offences in Northern Ireland are treated seriously, particularly when speeds are excessively high or deemed dangerous.

Penalties for Excessive Speed

• Fixed Penalty Notice: For lower-level speeding, drivers may receive a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
• Court Summons: For speeds significantly over the limit (typically 100mph+ on dual carriageways or 90mph+ in built-up areas), drivers are summoned to court.
• Dangerous Driving Charge: Excessive speed can lead to a charge of dangerous driving under the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. This carries:
• An unlimited fine
• A mandatory driving ban (minimum 12 months)
• Up to two years’ imprisonment
• The requirement to pass an extended retest before relicensing

According to the NI Direct government portal, courts consider aggravating factors such as high speed, weather conditions, and whether the journey was non-essential when determining sentences.

Why the ‘Takeaway Excuse’ Doesn’t Hold Up

While the idea of rushing for food may seem relatable, road safety experts and law enforcement stress that no personal convenience justifies endangering lives.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton of the PSNI stated in a recent press briefing that “the motivation behind speeding — whether it’s lateness, impatience, or even hunger — does not reduce the risk posed. At 130mph, a vehicle travels nearly 60 metres per second. There is no time to react to a sudden hazard.”

the Road Safety Authority (RSA) notes that speed increases both stopping distance and the severity of collisions. A crash at 100mph is vastly more likely to be fatal than one at 30mph, due to the exponential rise in kinetic energy.

Broader Context: Speeding and Road Safety in Northern Ireland

Excessive speed remains a persistent challenge on Northern Ireland’s roads.

Data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) shows that in 2023, speed was a contributory factor in approximately 24% of all road traffic fatalities. Young male drivers aged 17–24 are disproportionately represented in high-speed offences.

In response, the PSNI has increased the use of mobile speed cameras and unmarked patrol vehicles on high-risk routes, including the A6 and A5 corridors near Derry. Public awareness campaigns, such as “Slow Down”, continue to emphasize that even small increases in speed dramatically raise crash risk.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple drivers in Derry have been caught speeding at extreme rates, with some claiming they were rushing to collect a Chinese takeaway.
• Speeds exceeding 130mph have been recorded — well over double the legal limit — resulting in court summonses for dangerous driving.
• No justification, including food collection, excuses dangerous or excessive speed under Northern Ireland law.
• Penalties for such offences include heavy fines, driving bans, and potential imprisonment.
• Speed remains a leading factor in road deaths, prompting increased enforcement and public safety messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can being hungry or in a hurry for food be a legal defence for speeding?

No. Northern Ireland law does not accept personal convenience, hunger, or urgency as a defence for speeding or dangerous driving. The offence is based on the act itself, not the motivation behind it.

What is the speed limit on dual carriageways like the A6 near Derry?

The national speed limit for cars on dual carriageways in Northern Ireland is 70mph, unless signage indicates otherwise.

How do police measure speed in these cases?

Police use calibrated laser or radar speed detection devices, often operated from patrol vehicles or fixed positions. These instruments are regularly tested and approved for evidential use in court.

Are takeaway-related journeys a growing cause of speeding?

While there is no official data linking food pickups directly to speeding incidents, anecdotal evidence from police reports suggests that non-essential journeys — including meals, social visits, or errands — are sometimes cited by drivers stopped for excessive speed.

What should I do if I notice someone driving dangerously?

If you witness dangerous driving, you can report it to the PSNI via their non-emergency number (101) or online through the PSNI reporting portal. In emergencies, always call 999.

Stay informed. Drive safely. Remember: no meal is worth a life.