Drivers that are caught speeding will face tougher penalties from TODAY, thanks to new rules.
From today onwards a stricter fining system is being brought in to make drivers think again before speeding – but just how much will speed demons be forced to fork out?
Previously, if you were caught speeding the minimum fine was £100 and three penalty points on your licence. The maximum fine was £1,000, or £2,500 if you were caught on the motorway. Drivers faced being fined 100 per cent of their weekly salary – up to £2,500 – but that is set to change.
After April 24, the cap of £2,500 will remain, but offenders can be charged up to 175 % of their weekly income if they are caught speeding. The minimum fine of £100 and three points will remain the same.
What speeding fines can I get with the new laws?
Fines are divided into bands – A, B and C – which correspond to how serious the speeding offence is.
Drivers caught up to 10 mph over the limit are classed as band A and slapped with fines equalling 25-75 per cent of their weekly wage, while band B offences where motorists were clocked at 11-21 mph over the limit, can expect fines between 75 and 125 per cent of their weekly wage.
Why has the speeding fines increase?
The decision to increase fines comes after Green Flag warned that the number of speeding offences had shockingly risen by 44 per cent over the last five years.
District judge Richard Williams, a sentencing council member, said: "The magistrates' courts deal with the vast majority of offenders in England and Wales, so it is essential that the guidelines they use are up to date and help ensure that sentences are applied consistently and effectively.
"We have listened to the views of magistrates, criminal justice professionals and others with an interest in particular offence types in developing these guidelines. We are grateful to all those who responded to the consultation and helped shape the final versions that will be used in courts."
What are your thoughts on the increase in speeding fines?Do you think it's fair to fine people based on their weekly earnings?
