Full-throttle drivers are putting themselves and others at risk of death by taking the dial past 100 mph.

The number of drivers caught travelling at more than 100 mph on Sussex roads has almost tripled in two years, according to figures obtained by The Argus.

Even more worryingly the number of drivers speeding into three figures in 30 and 40 mph residential zones is also on the rise.

Road safety campaigners have warned that such reckless behaviour will almost certainly result in fatalities.

Sussex Police detected 24 motorists driving at more than 100 mph in 2014 compared to just nine in 2012.

Two motorists clocked triple figures in 30mph zones last year compared to no drivers in the previous two years.

One driver was also caught driving at 100 mph in a 40 mph zone in 2014 compared to two in 2013 and none in 2012.

Phil Henty, operations manager at Sussex Safer Roads, said drivers travelling at such breakneck speeds should expect to the full weight of the law and penalties of up to two years in jail.

Mr Henty said as vehicle speed increases stopping distances multiply meaning while at 30mph the stopping distance is 23m, at 100mph it is more than 180m.

He added: “Whilst the vast majority of drivers recognise the need to adjust their speed to suit the conditions a few totally disregard the safety of others and themselves by driving in excess of 100mph.

“Regardless of the drivers’ misguided notion of their own driving ability, other road users would not be prepared for such behaviour and would unwittingly put themselves in harm’s way.

“If in a town or village a person were to step out of a car or pull out you would not be able to stop in time.

“Striking a pedestrian, cyclist or crashing into another vehicle at 100mph would almost certainly result in fatal injuries.”

Road safety charity Brake is calling on tougher penalties to reflect the fact that speed kills.

A spokesman said: "Breaking the speed limit by any amount is a serious offence, but drivers who break limits by excessive amounts are taking deliberate risks with their lives and the lives of others.

“Speed limits exist to reduce the risk of collisions and save lives, and crashes that happen at very high speeds are much more likely to be fatal.

“Crimes such as this that can and do lead to death and serious injury need to be effectively deterred through enforcement by specialist traffic police and speed cameras.”

Witnesses to anti-social driving can report it through operationcrackdown.org