Do you think that speed limits are more of a formality than a set law? Think again, because speeding just got a lot more expensive... From 24th April, speeding penalties have shot up – if you already have points on your licence, you could be banned for going just 2 mph over the limit.
Offence Bands
The new laws see speeding offences split into three categories:
- Category A speeding offences are for those driving 1-10 mph over the speed limit;
- Category B for people driving 11 – 21 over the limit;
- and Category C for those caught driving more than 20 miles an hour over the speed limit.
Points
- Category A offences will earn 3 points on their licence;
- Category B 4-6 points and up to 28 days’ disqualification;
- and Category C can earn you 6 points on your licence and up to 56 days’ disqualification.
Fines
Previously, speeding penalties were from £100 - £1,000 and not exceeding one week of the offender’s wages. This has risen, as follows:
- Band A offenders can be fined anything from 25-75% of their weekly wage;
- Band B offences will incur a penalty of 75 – 125% of weekly earnings;
- Meanwhile, Band C offences will cost the driver up to 175% of their wages.
First time offenders with no points on their licence are able to avoid the fine and points by attending a speed awareness course, which has a one-off fee.
Additional Speed Laws
While speed limits provide you with a maximum driving speed, sometimes it is wise to drive at far below the speed limit. In reality, you are required to drive at a speed at which you can stop if there are any hazards in the road; this means that, if your vision is limited (e.g. round bends), you should drive more slowly, to accommodate potential obstacles that you can’t yet see.
The two second rule is a good guide on your speed, regardless of the limit: make sure you leave a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. It is also important that you reduce your speed according to road conditions; typically, you should reduce your speed by 30% if the roads are wet.
There is no doubt that the changes to speeding penalties could have a massive impact on drivers. However, the fact is, that driving dangerously costs lives. If you are unsure about driving in certain conditions, or feel that you could do with brushing up on your driving laws, book a refresher lesson (or two) with a local driving instructor, who can help to keep you, and other road users, safe.