Paul Roberts admits dangerous driving after hitting what is believed to be highest speed ever recorded in UK by rider carrying pillion passenger

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Police have released shocking footage of a motorcyclist reaching 148mph while carrying a passenger on a busy motorway.

Paul Roberts, 43, was followed and filmed by an Essex police motorcycle officer as he rode south on the M11. His top speed is believed to be the highest ever recorded in the UK by a rider carrying a pillion passenger, the force said.

Roberts, from Harlow, Essex, admitted dangerous driving at Chelmsford crown court and was banned from the road for 15 months.

Sgt Nick Edwards, from the force’s motorcycle unit, said: “The levels of harm to which Paul Roberts subjected himself, his pillion passenger, the public and my officer are just beyond comprehension.

“These speeds are for race tracks not public roads. This riding behaviour will not be tolerated on Essex roads and the court have clearly recognised the consequences of the rider’s actions in the punishment that has been awarded.”

Roberts, who runs a taxi firm in London, was riding to work on his Kawasaki ZZR 1400 with a friend as passenger on 12 September last year. He joined the M11 at Hastingwood and was seen and followed by PC Paul Hills, who was involved in a motorcycle safety operation on the motorway.

A video camera on the officer’s bike recorded events as Roberts weaved across all three lanes. At one point he is seen riding through a narrow gap between a lorry and a car. Roberts was eventually stopped near Chigwell after travelling about 11 miles.

As well as being banned, he was also ordered to do 120 hours community service, fined £400 and ordered to pay £460 costs, Essex police said.