The consultation document, Graduated fixed penalties for speeding offences - Discussion note, sets out a graduated system with less points for breaking the speed limit by only a few miles an hour, but more points for larger indiscretion.
The penalties imposed on speeding motorists would vary between £40 and two penalty points for the less serious offences up to £100 and six points for the most serious. The lower penalty would not apply to people speeding in 20 mph speed limits.
The consultation document also proposes speed awareness courses nationwide, to be offered to first-time offenders in the lower speeding category - at their own expense - in lieu of the two point penalty.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: ‘We are seeking views on a new graduated system of penalties for speeding designed to be more effective and appropriate than the current 'one-size fits all' approach. We want to ensure that the level of the penalty fits the severity of the offence - including a crackdown on the most dangerous offences.
‘The police would continue to enforce speed limits rigorously and motorists will always need to be aware that speeding is highly dangerous and if they are caught they will face a fine, points on their licences and disqualification if they persist.
‘We also welcome the police initiative to roll out speed awareness courses for first-time 'low-end' offenders, for whom this looks to the most effective way to change their behaviour. I hope these courses, and continued enforcement, will encourage the minority of drivers who speed to slow down - for the sake of their and other road users' safety.’
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