Tougher Punishments For Speeders
Fines have increased for serious speeders doing 20mph above the speed limit thanks to new sentencing guidelines.
Motorists that are caught excessively speeding will face higher fines, following a review of the sentencing guidelines.
Drivers caught excessively speeding will now face fines of up 150% of their weekly income, compared to previous punishments of only 100% of the offenders’ weekly income up to £1,000 or £2,500 if caught on the motorway. The guidelines came into place on April 24th, however the cash limit cap has remained the same at £1,000. So, for example, if you earn £1,000 a week, your fine could be £1,000 before and after the change.
The new sentencing guidelines will apply to the following:
- In a 20mph speed limit; with a recorded speed of 41mph and above
- In a 30mph zone; with a recorded speed of 51mph and above
- In a 40mph zone; with a recorded speed of 66mph and above
- In a 50mph zone; with a recorded speed of 76mph and above
- In a 60mph zone; with a recorded speed of 91mph and above
- In a 70mph zone; with a recorded speed of 101mph and above
Why have speeding fines increased?
The Sentencing Council say the fines for speeding have been increased to reflect the seriousness of the crime. A press release on the new sentencing guidelines said: “For speeding offences, the Council is introducing a new higher penalty for the most serious offenders. This follows calls from respondents to the consultation who said that the previous guidelines did not properly take into account the increase in potential harm that can result as speed above the speed limit increases.”
“The Council has therefore increased the penalty for the top band of seriousness to ensure that there is clear increase in fine level as the seriousness of offending increases. This means fines for these offenders will have a starting point of 150 per cent of weekly income rather than the existing level of 100 per cent of weekly income.”
Sentencing Council member and District Judge, Richard Williams, said: “The magistrates’ courts deal with the vast majority of offenders in England and Wales, so it is essential that the guidelines they use are up to date and help ensure that sentences are applied consistently and effectively.”
“We have listened to the views of magistrates, criminal justice professionals and others with an interest in particular offence types in developing these guidelines. We are grateful to all those who responded to the consultation and helped shape the final versions that will be used in courts.”'
What are the punishments for speeding in England and Wales?
Punishments for speeding vary depending on what the speed limit is and the drivers’ recorded speed, This table from the Sentencing Council shows the guidelines if it went to Magistrates Court:
| Speed limit (mph) | Recorded speed (mph) | ||
| 20 | 41 and above | 31-40 | 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 |
| Sentencing range | Band C fine | Band B fine | Band A fine |
| Points/disqualification | Disqualify 7-56 days or 6 points | Disqualify 7-28 days or 4-6 points | 3 points |
Insurance for Speeding Offences
If you have been convicted of a speeding offence in the past, you will have most likely received points on your licence, and depending on the severity of the speeding offence, you might be struggling to get an insurance quote. Our Convicted Driver insurance is a product specifically for motorists with convictions and is often more competitive than getting a quote from a regular Car insurance provider.
To speak to a member of our team about Convicted Driver insurance click ‘Get a Quote’ below or call 0800 221 8077.
