It is a horrific statistic that hints at - among many factors - the widening wealth gap in a country where the poor are so often obliged to squeeze into speeding and over-crowded minibuses for long commutes.
Former cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife are to stand trial next Monday over allegations she took speeding points for him so he could avoid prosecution.
Even after the bad headlines over MP Chris Huhne's toxic cocktail of marriage break-up and speeding fine charges the Lib Dem vote increased at last May's local elections.
The election follows the departure of disgraced ex-Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne, 58, who admitted perverting the course of justice over claims his wife took speeding points for him.