Today Is The Anniversary Of The First Speeding Ticket

Many motorists have their views about speed cameras and their speed limits, but 120 years ago today in Paddock Wood, Kent, a man by the name of Walter Arnold broke the speed limit and received a 1 shilling fine.

Walter Arnold - Speed Demon!

At the time, the speed limit was set at a spine tingling 2mph, and even then you had to have someone walk in front of you waving a red flag to alert residents of your presence. But in January 1896, Walter Arnold negated the need for his flag-bearer and embarked on a blistering 8mph cruise through the Paddock Wood streets. This then led to a 5 mile police chase in which the officer pursued on his pushbike, eventually catching Walter who was later fined one shilling.

<div style="clear:both"><a href="https://www.thinkinsurance.co.uk/personal/convicted-driver-insurance/today-is-the-anniversary-of-the-first-speeding-ticket"><img src="https://www.thinkinsurance.co.uk/uploads/archive/quirkycarfactsfirstspeedingticket_3747858013.jpg" title="Today Is The Anniversary Of The First Speeding Ticket" alt="Today Is The Anniversary Of The First Speeding Ticket" border="0"></a></div><div>Courtesy of Think Insurance: <a href="https://www.thinkinsurance.co.uk/personal/convicted-driver-insurance/today-is-the-anniversary-of-the-first-speeding-ticket" title="Today Is The Anniversary Of The First Speeding Ticket">Do You Know What These Ten Confusing Road Signs Are?</a></div> Copy To Clipboard