UK Edition
Speeding fines increase: majority of drivers unaware of changes
Almost 60 per cent of drivers are unaware of the stiffer fines for speeding that came into effect on Monday.
According to a poll of drivers in the UK, only 38 per cent of drivers above the age of 25 knew about the changes, while 44 per cent of drivers under the same age were aware of them. Regardless of age, 58 per cent of the 304 respondents did not know that speeding fines have significantly increased.
The new fines, which apply to England and Wales, are divided into three categories. The most minor offences incur a Band A fine, which applies to those caught driving at less than 10mph over the prevailing speed limit, of 50 per cent of the driver’s weekly income.
A Band B fine, between 11 and 20mph above the speed limit, is 100 per cent of the driver’s weekly income; and a Band C fine, for those caught travelling at more than 20mph over the speed limit, is up to 150 per cent of their weekly income.
In addition to the greater fines, drivers still face penalty points on their licence or disqualification, depending on the severity of the offence.
Before the changes, which came into effect on Monday April 24, the maximum fine for breaking the speed limit was £1,000, or £2,500 if the offence occurred on a motorway.
The changes to the speeding fine system came from a Sentencing Council consultation held last year, which hoped to ensure a ‘‘clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases’’.
The poll, conducted by Marmalade, the specialist telematics insurer for young drivers, also
Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, the telematics insurer for young drivers, which carried out the poll, said: ‘‘Rather than increasing fines in an attempt to promote road safety, we need to work on improving and informing our drivers. Hiking up fines won’t slow people down – especially if drivers aren’t aware of the change.
‘‘The good news for young drivers is that they are less likely to be affected by these changes: according to a recent Freedom of Information request, young drivers are less likely to commit a speeding offence than drivers aged 25-54, making up less than 8 percent of speeding offences.’’
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