DfT launches consultation on graduated speeding penalties

A new system of penalties for motorists caught speeding was outlined by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling last week. The new proposals would mean a reduced penalty for motorists not far above the speed limit and a higher penalty for those who are significantly above it.

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 welcomes proposals by the police to put in place 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. This follows successful trials by a number of police forces.

"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," Alistair Darling said.   "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 proposal to vary points according to severity was welcomed by LARSOA. "The principal of graduation is one that we support because it brings speeding in line with many other motoring offences," said Steve Whitehouse, the Association's chairman. "We also believe it will further increase the overwhelming public support for safety cameras, while at the same time encouraging the vociferous minority to work in partnership with safety campaigners to reduce the carnage on roads.

"The proposal also recognises that bigger penalties should be handed out to greater and more persistent transgressors, Steve Whitehouse added. "LARSOA supports this principal but urges motorists not to see this as a menu of actions versus consequences. It must be remembered that just a few miles too fast in a residential area with a 20mph or 30mph limit can have catastrophic consequences for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Indeed this could be the more serious offence.

Mr Whitehouse went on to say that LARSOA also welcomes the proposals to put speed awareness courses in place across the country. The courses will be offered to first-time offenders in the lower speeding category - at their own expense - in lieu of the two point penalty. "This follows successful trials by a number of colleagues and police forces," Steve Whitehouse added. "Evidence suggests that people attending them are less likely to speed afterwards and LARSOA advocates a greater role for measures such as these in conjunction with the new points system."

The proposed new structure of penalties is outlined in a DfT consultation document, www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_030771.hcsp.