Motorists who are caught and sentenced for a speeding offence on or after the 24th April 2017 will face new . sentencing guidelines.
It has been reported that over 100,000 speeding fines are issued each year, with up to 44% in the last 5 years as highlighted by Green Flag. After a consultation with magistrates, other criminal justice professionals and interested parties, the new tougher penalties are being introduced.
Under the new guidelines, drivers can be fined 175 per cent of their weekly wage for grossly exceeding the speed limit
There is a cap of £1000 for offences committed on roads which are not motorways and £2500 for offences committed on motorways.
Severity of the Offence:
New sentencing guidelines are set out below..
| Speed Limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
| Band C | Band B | Band A | |
| 20 | 41 and above | 31 – 41 | 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 |
| Points/disqualification | Disqualify 7 to 56 days or 6 points | 4 to 6 points or disqualify 7 to 28 days | 3 points |
Table Source: Sentencing Council
| Starting point | Range | |
| Fine Band A | 50% of relevant weekly income | 25 – 75% of relevant weekly income |
| Fine Band B | 100% of relevant weekly income | 75 – 125% of relevant weekly income |
| Fine Band C | 150% of relevant weekly income | 125 – 175% of relevant weekly income |
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Can you AvoidSpeeding Fines?
If you fit the criteria to be offered a speed awareness course and undertake it within the requisite time period you may avoid court proceedings. Similarly if you are offered the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty this means you will only have to pay £100 and will have 3 points endorsed on your licence if you comply with the terms of the offer. Neither option is available if you have driven at a very high speed.The magistrates will fine offenders having regard to the guidelines but also taking into account the circumstances of the offence including aggravating and mitigating factors, personal mitigation and they will give credit for a guilty plea.
Further Information
To find out more about how these new changes could affect you, please contact Moore Motoring Law on 0115 7841 588 or email maria@mooremotoringlaw.co.uk
