Former Police Officer Disqualified After Driving at 140mph on A30

A former police officer has been disqualified from driving after being caught travelling at 140mph on the A30 near Camborne.

Speeding in a police vehicle

Carl Parker, 43, was recorded on a fixed speed camera at 5.43am on Sunday 4th February 2024, driving an unmarked police Volvo XC90 on the eastbound carriageway of the A30 at Roseworthy. The stretch of road has a national speed limit of 60mph.

Although the vehicle briefly displayed emergency response lights, it was not using sirens and no legal exemption for the speed has been established. Carl had no policing reason to be travelling at that speed, and later pleaded guilty to speeding.

Sentenced in absence

The case was heard at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27th June 2025, where Carl was sentenced in his absence.

He was disqualified from driving for three months, fined £500, ordered to pay £440 in costs and a £200 victim surcharge — totalling £1,140.

No longer with the force

Following the incident, Carl’s authority to drive police vehicles was removed. He has since resigned from the force. The matter remains the subject of an internal disciplinary process.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said:
“There are five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads, known as the ‘Fatal Five’, one of which is driving at an excessive speed.
“While officers receive extensive driver training to ensure they undertake their role effectively and without putting the public at any greater risk, it is important they only use these skills when responding to an emergency.
“On this occasion, the officer had no policing reason for doing so and pleaded guilty to speeding.”