New UK Speeding Fines Explained

New speeding fines could potentially cost drivers thousands of pounds as they become calculated on their weekly income under the new system which have now come into play.

Previously the penalty you could expect to receive for speeding was a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence, but from 24th April 2017, magistrates in England and Wales are being directed to apply a Band C speeding fine for the most serious offenders.

A three band system shown below will determine the severity of an offence to different charges.

What does that mean if I'm caught speeding?

BAND C SPEEDING FINE

A Band C speeding fine means that anyone speeding at 51mph or above in a 30mph limit for example, or over 101mph, faces a fine equivalent to 125-175% of their weekly income, 6 penalty points on their driving licence or disqualification from driving for up to 56 days. If disqualified for 56 days or more the driver will be required to apply for a new licence.

BAND B SPEEDING FINE

A Band B speeding fine would apply for someone caught doing between 41-50mph in a 30mph zone, in which case a fine equivalent to 75-125% of their weekly income would apply, with 4-6 penalty points on their licence, or disqualification from driving for up to 28 days.

BAND A SPEEDING FINE

A Band A speeding fine would be imposed for anyone caught speeding between 31-40 in a 30mph zone, who would then expect to receive a fine equivalent to 25-75% of their weekly income and 3 penalty points on their licence.

Additionally, if you are a first time offender you may be offered the chance to take a speed awareness course which will allow you to dodge the penalty points. This however will not be extended to repeat offenders.

Is there scope for variation in the new speeding fine system?

Yes, the Sentencing Council has issued a selection of factors which courts must take into account that can increase the seriousness of the offence, or provide mitigating circumstances.

Examples of factors which might aggravate the offence to 175% include speeding while towing a caravan or trailer, speeding near a school or with a high level of traffic or pedestrians nearby.

Factors increasing seriousness

• Previous convictions, having regard to a) the nature of the offence to which the conviction relates and its relevance to the current offence; and b) the time that has elapsed since the conviction
• Offence committed whilst on bail

Other aggravating factors:

• Offence committed on licence or post sentence supervision
• Poor road or weather conditions
• Driving LGV, HGV, PSV etc.
• Towing caravan/trailer
• Carrying passengers or heavy load
• Driving for hire or reward
• Evidence of unacceptable standard of driving over and above speed
• Location - near school
• High level of traffic or pedestrians in the vicinity

Factors reducing seriousness

• No previous convictions or no relevant/recent convictions
• Good character and/or exemplary conduct
• Genuine emergency established

With all of this in mind, you should be asking yourself exactly why it's so important for you to get where you're going so quickly, and consider rethinking the laws that are essentially there for everyone's safety.