Biker accused of hitting record 166mph

Published 24 Jul 2009 13:54 7 Comments

PEEBLES police believe they've clocked the fastest ever speeder on Scottish roads along the Dolphinton Straight.

Berwickshire bike rider Neil Purves is accused of hitting 166 miles per hour along the one-mile stretch of A702 on May 13.

The 27-year-old from Cockburnspath was due to appear at Peebles Sheriff Court to face the charge.

But his legal firm - roadtrafficlaw.com - have asked for the case to be continued for four weeks while they investigate the allegations.

Routine patrols on the Dolphinton Straight snared about 20 drivers going over 100 miles per hour last year.

And similar speedtrap operations in the past few months have caught several more. Cameron Grost from Bassenthwaite, in Cumbria, this week admitted reaching 103mph on his motorbike on the same day as Mr Purves is alleged to have broken the Scottish speed record.

The 23-year-old admitted the offence by letter and will appear for sentencing next month.

And last month company director Andrew Montgomery from Edinburgh was banned for 12 months after being caught driving at 108 mph along Dolphinton Straight.

Another driver was also in the dock at Peebles this week for alleged speeding on the same stretch of road. Scott Shepherd from Broughty Ferry denies clocking 122 mph on March 31 and will stand trial next month.

Lothian and Borders Police carry out regular checks on the A702.

Sergeant Brian Jones from Road Policing told the Peeblesshire News: "People who are reaching these excessively high speeds have total disregard for other road users as well as themselves.

"We are aware of local concerns over speeding on this part of the A702 between West Linton and Dolphinton and we will continue to do everything possible to deter motorists from driving at these types of speeds."

It is estimated that the stopping distance for anyone travelling at 120 mph would be around 500 feet. Scotland's fastest convicted speeder is Jason McAllister - who was caught doing 156.7 mph on the A90 between Aberdeen and Dundee last year.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 24 Jul 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Hazelkaye
  Unregistered User
  Jul 24, 20:58
  Report comment

  No respect for their own human frailty, never mind anyone else's! LIFETIME DRIVING BAN!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Dave Henderson
  Unregistered User
  Jul 29, 19:55
  Report comment

  Thank you Hazel. When I need uninformed opinion such as yours, I'll tell you.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Dave Henderson
  Unregistered User
  Jul 29, 22:15
  Report comment

  Thank you Hazel. When I need uninformed opinion such as yours, I'll tell you.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Bob
  Unregistered User
  Jul 30, 10:02
  Report comment

  When you can buy a 150mph + in any motorcycle shop
  
  it seems stupid not to have a few roads to try them out on. A track day is the usual method, you should see the old bill loitering outside 3 sisters or Oulton park track after track day. The lads leave all excited and try the same speeds on the public roads. Its how it is, young men like going fast. I'm 53 and I still like going fast. I don't mend like I did in my 20's so I am more careful nowadays and behave. Wish it would stop raining then I could go out for a pootle myself. Rheumatism ruins it for me in the wet, but I can ride 200 mile in a day when its nice..
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Bob
  Unregistered User
  Jul 30, 10:34
  Report comment

  When you can buy a 150mph + in any motorcycle shop
  
  it seems stupid not to have a few roads to try them out on. A track day is the usual method, you should see the old bill loitering outside 3 sisters or Oulton park track after track day. The lads leave all excited and try the same speeds on the public roads. Its how it is, young men like going fast. I'm 53 and I still like going fast. I don't mend like I did in my 20's so I am more careful nowadays and behave. Wish it would stop raining then I could go out for a pootle myself. Rheumatism ruins it for me in the wet, but I can ride 200 mile in a day when its nice..
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Mac
  Unregistered User
  Aug 5, 23:51
  Report comment

  My last bike GPZ900R... loved it.... bit of an old timer these days but an absolute classic... it would maybe go at about 140-150mph or so. Sure it's fast.. and it's a bit reckless on occasion, but don't let the spin on these articles make you feel that all drivers and riders who drive fast on occasion are completely reckless people with no regard.
  
  I'll open the throttle only when I deem it to be safe.... I never want to put anyone, let alone my self at risk... so I drive fast only where I feel I can do so safely. I know where the boundries of my riding skills are and respect them. Give us more dry days please :)
  
  Ride swift, and ride safe.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  pop remus
  Unregistered User
  Nov 1, 13:29
  Report comment

  Comunist law.....and they are telling us we are comunists :(
  
  I think a 500E fine and licence suspending for 6 months is enough.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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