Safe Speed Forums

2 penalty points for how much over though?

Will they still apply 10%+2 or will 34mph in a 30 get you 2pp now?

If they have to have fixed penalties for speeding I'd rather see (for 30mph road)

31-34: no penalty
35-37: 2pp
38-40: 3pp
41-43: 4pp:
44-46: 5pp
47-49: 6pp
51+ court

For 40mph road:
41-45: no penalty
46-49: 2pp
50-53: 3pp
54-56: 4pp
57-60: 5pp
61-64: 6pp
65+ court.

For 50mph road:
51-56: no penalty
57-61: 2pp
62-66: 3pp
67-71: 4pp
72-76: 6pp
77+ court

60/70mph: penalty is (speed - 2 - max) * 10 / max rounded down.

The fine should also increase relatively.

Thus you are now facing court if you are more than 50% + 2 over the speed limit.

Of course I'd like to see this combined with sensible speed limits, being variable if necessary, and in steps of 5.

SPEED FINES GO VARIABLE
A flexible system of speeding penalties is being introduced by the Government.

Motorists driving way over the speed limit face up to six points on their licence, under plans to be outlined next month.

But those caught just marginally over will escape with as few as two, according to the Sunday Times.

A consultation on the widely trailed scheme will be launched some time after the local and European elections on June 10.

At present, drivers caught breaking the speed limit receive three points regardless of their actual speed.

An automatic ban is slapped on anyone racking up 12 points - or four offences - within three years.

However, with 30,000 motorists suspended in 2002, ministers are concerned that people who need their licence for work are losing their livelihoods.

They also face a backlash over the increased use of speed cameras.

Critics argue the cameras are more about raising cash for the Treasury than improving road safety.

You are on right road, Mr Darling

By DAVID WOODING
Whitehall Editor

DRIVERS finally had something to cheer about yesterday after the Government said some speed camera penalties will be cut.

A new system announced by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling means people driving the fastest will be hit the hardest.

The move follows The Sun’s influential campaign against sneaky Gatsos.

The Government’s U-turn comes after growing public protests against the huge increase in the cameras, which rake in millions of pounds every year.

Under Mr Darling’s scheme, drivers who just slip over the limit will get two penalty points on their licence instead of three. Real speeders will be hit with up to SIX points.

He conceded it was unfair that ALL speeders got three points no matter how fast they drove.

Those who rack up 12 points in three years get an automatic ban.

He said: “Speed kills. It is important to remember that. But it is also important we treat people fairly and differentiate between less serious and more serious offences.

“There’s a difference between somebody who goes two mph over the limit and someone who is doing 40mph over.

U-turn ... Alistair Darling

“The best camera does not collect a penny in fines because it encourages people to slow. The second thing is to make sure the punishment must fit the crime.”

The action comes amid fears of a motorists’ revolt over the spread of speed cameras.

Many claim they are used to raise cash rather than save lives.

A record 1.4million drivers were fined £60 and given three penalty points in 2002 — 40 per cent up on the previous year.

Even the cop who brought speed cameras to Britain — Warwickshire’s ex-Chief Constable Peter Joslin — has admitted: “It’s gone too far.”

Motoring groups gave a cautious welcome to the plan — as Tories accused Labour of nicking their idea.

Tony Vickers, of the Association of British Drivers, said: “Weapons of mass prosecution have caused a lot of injustice and resentment.”

Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa May said: “It isn’t the first time ministers have stolen our road policy.”

A number of cars and bikes under report speed at low speeds (20s and 30s) which could mean an indicated 30 triggering a prosecution.

I'm sure that's illegal (as in, your car would fail an MOT if it did that) - your speedo is allowed to over-read by 10% but never under-read.

Nope, it sounds right to me - the 10% tolerance in the law is allowed *either* way, hence the usual 10% + 2 threshold for a ticket, to allow for under-reading speedos.