Speeding events have increased by as much as 83% after England’s World Cup matches, according to analysis of connected telematics data by insurtech firm ThingCo.

The analysis of driving behaviour before, during and after England’s fixtures found a consistent pattern, with roads becoming quieter during matches, before traffic levels and speeding incidents rose sharply after the final whistle.

Across England’s three group stage matches against Croatia, Ghana and Panama, traffic volumes peaked between 41% and 93% above normal levels around two to two-and-a-half hours after kick-off as supporters left pubs, fan zones and friends’ homes.

Speeding events during the same period increased by 65% after Croatia, 83% after Ghana and 38% after Panama. ThingCo said the rise was not simply due to busier roads, with speeding per mile increasing by as much as 22% when adjusted for distance travelled.

The data also showed increased risk before earlier kick-offs. Ahead of England’s first knockout match against DR Congo, which started at 17:00 on a weekday, speeding events rose by 27% as supporters travelled home before the game.

Dr Carlo Conner-Hill, head of data analytics at ThingCo said: "What this data shows is that match-day risk is remarkably predictable. We can see almost to the minute when the roads will surge and when speeding will spike: it's the hour or two after the final whistle, and, for teatime kick-offs, the dash home before it.

“That predictability is a gift for insurers. Ahead of Saturday's quarter-final, a well-timed nudge -- a push notification reminding customers to plan their journey home, leave the car at the pub, or simply watch their speed -- costs almost nothing to deliver. Set against the claims cost of a single serious accident, the case for intervention is clear. Telematics gives insurers the ability to engage customers at exactly the moment risk is elevated which is good for road safety and good for loss ratios."

The analysis was based on connected telematics data normalised against typical driving activity for the equivalent day and time, showing how insurers can identify predictable periods of heightened risk and deliver timely interventions.

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