In April a new set of regulations came into force to punish speeding motorists. There will be a significant increase in fines for the worst offender although for those who are a couple of miles over the minimum, nothing will change.
This follows the approach from the new laws in relation to using a phone whilst driving that were brought into force in March 2017.
Prior to the 24th April 2017 the minimum penalty you could receive for speeding was £100 fine and 3 penalty points. The Courts now have powers to impose higher fines in order to make drivers think twice.
The changes have been brought about following a consultation in 2016 that argued that existing guidelines failed to consider the potential harm of speeding and risk posed to the public. The penalties apply to all motorists regardless of the date of the offence.
For those caught significantly over the limit the fines increase by 50% from 100% of weekly income to 150%. These penalties apply to Band B and C drivers. The £2500 current cap on the fine will remain the same for those caught on the motorway, £1000 for everyone else.
The current minimum fine of £100 and 3 penalty points will remain together with the Speed Awareness Course.
For details of the varying speed bands see table below.
| Speed limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 41 and above | 31-40 | 21-30 |
| 30 | 51 and above | 41-50 | 31-40 |
| 40 | 66 and above | 56-65 | 41-55 |
| 50 | 76 and above | 66-75 | 51-65 |
| 60 | 91 and above | 81-90 | 61-80 |
| 70 | 101 and above | 91-100 | 71-90 |
| Sentencing range | Band C fine (150% of relevant weekly income |
Band B fine (100% of relevant weekly income) |
Band A fine (50% of relevant weekly income) |
| Points / disqualification | Disqualification for 7-56 days OR 6 points on your licence |
Disqualification for 7-28 days OR 4-6 points on your licence |
3 points on your licence |
However, the court can use its discretion and adjust the initial fine based on aggravating features of the case in question. Such as driving records and any similar offences, weather conditions, timing and population density.
The same adjustment can be made to Band B and C fines too. Look below to see the window of adjustments rates.
| Starting point | Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Band A | 50% of weekly income | 25 – 75% of weekly income |
| Fine Band A | 100% of weekly income | 75 – 125% of weekly income |
| Fine Band C | 150% of weekly income | 125 – 175% of weekly income |
This will leave the poorer drivers disproportionately disadvantaged and in addition to the fine – drivers can still face points or a disqualification for the offence.
“Don’t be caught out by the harsher penalties! Your driving licence is precious – keep within the legal limit”
If you need help and specialist motoring law advice on how to avoid the imposition of penalty points or preventing a disqualification, please contact our motoring specialist Jas Thiara on 02477 710244 or email jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com
Please call 02477 710 241 to speak to a member of the team and to make an appointment with one of our criminal lawyers at any of our six offices.
Jas Thiara
Jas joined Alsters Kelley in 2006 and was appointed Associate Solicitor with the firm in June 2007 and is also Head of the Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences Department.
02477 710200
jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com