Over 47,270 vehicles were impounded for a month for excessive speeding in 2009 across the UAE compared to 25,862 in 2008, according to a report.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number of offences with 23,974 fines and Dubai the second highest with 14,625 fines in 2009.

The maximum speed limit on highways in the country is 140km/h and offenders include those driving above speeds of 200km/h, according to gulfnews.com.

Ministry of interior, traffic department director Brigadier Gaith Hassan Al Za’abi said young UAE nationals account for the highest number of offenders.