Coming into force from today, the Sentencing Council have increased the punishment for drivers who are caught speeding.
The alteration to the sentencing guidelines means that the financial penalties will increase for those speeds that fall into the highest sentencing bracket.
Prior to today, drivers who recorded speeds that fell into the highest category would likely receive a Band B fine (up to 125% of relevant weekly income) and either 6 penalty points or a 7-56 day disqualification.
This change in the sentencing guidelines results in a Band B fine being increased to a Band C fine, which is up to 175% of the relevant weekly income of the offender charged with the offence.
| 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 |
Speeds recorded that fall into the highest sentencing bracket do have serious implications on the driver as a disqualification from driving is a realistic possibility. Not only could the driver be facing a legal ban from driving , they could also be facing a financial penalty up to £1,000 unless the offence took place on a motorway where the maximum fine is £2,500.
The Courts take speeding offences extremely seriously, so should you require any further information or advice then please feel free to contact our team of expert Road Traffic solicitors at Blaser Mills on +44 (0) 203 814 2020.
“The Sentencing Council said it wanted a “clear increase in penalty” as the seriousness of offending increases.”