In Suffolk 50mph speed limits have been brought in on the A140

Researchers spoke to more than 1,500 drivers and found that 94% of them admitted they had speeded.

They also found in the South region 23% said they regularly broke speed limits, while in East Anglia 20% did so.

Almost all drivers questioned said they have a sound knowledge of speed limits, while only 50% correctly identified the limit on a dual carriageway.

Percentage of drivers who regularly go over the speed limit East Anglia 20% South West 11% South 23% Lancashire 15% North East 18% Yorkshire 16%

Almost a quarter of drivers think it is acceptable to speed if they believe the limit is too low.

And a third consider speeding acceptable if there is an emergency, while 21% thought it was acceptable if there was little traffic about.

Direct Line's motor spokeswoman Emma Holyer said: "The lack of knowledge among motorists is very surprising - particularly that so many don't even know the speed limits on some UK roads.