April 2017 Speeding Fine Increases: What They Could Mean For You

by constructaquote - 15 March 2017

Here on the constructaquote.com blog, we have already taken a look at the recent penalty increase for using a mobile device at the wheel, with drivers now receiving 6 points on their license and a £200 fine. Today, we’re focusing on the upcoming increases to speeding fines due to come into effect in April 2017.

At present, the limit for a speeding fine is 100% of the driver’s weekly wage – though that is capped at £1,000 unless caught on a motorway, which would mean a fine of up to £2,500.

From April 24th, however, a new alphabetically categorised structure will come into place with the standard maximum fine also being increased to 150% of the driver’s weekly earnings.

Band A

Band A offences will see drivers penalised with a starting fine equating to 50% of their weekly wage, based on the speeds committed in the following limit zones:

20mph zone: 21mph – 30mph speed committed

30mph zone: 31mph – 40mph speed committed

40mph zone: 41mph – 55mph speed committed

50mph zone: 51mph – 65mph speed committed

60mph zone: 61mph – 80mph speed committed

70mph zone: 71mph – 90mph speed committed

In addition to this, the driver will receive 3 points on their license but no disqualification.

Band B

For Band B offences, drivers will be penalised with a starting fine equating to 100% of their weekly wage, based on the speeds committed in the following limit zones:

20mph zone: 31mph – 40mph

30mph zone: 41mph – 50mph

40mph zone: 56mph – 65mph

50mph zone: 66mph – 75mph

60mph zone: 81mph – 90mph

70mph zone: 91mph – 100mph

The driver will also receive a 7 – 28 day disqualification from driving OR 4-6 points on their license, depending on the circumstances involved.

Band C

The final category, Band C, penalises the offending driver with a starting fine equating to 150% of their weekly wage, based on the speeds committed in the following limit zones:

20mph zone: 41mph and above

30mph zone: 51mph and above

40mph zone: 66mph and above

50mph zone: 76mph and above

60mph zone: 91mph and above

70mph zone: 101mph and above

Band C offences will see drivers receive a 7 – 56 day disqualification from driving OR 6 points on their license, depending on the circumstances involved.

Is there any leeway to the fines?

There is some leeway which could see you receive a fine lower than the starting points noted above, but it works both ways – aggravating factors can see a fine higher than the cap, too.

Factors which could reduce the seriousness of the case include no previous or relevant/recent convictions, good character and/or exemplary conduct, and if there is a genuine emergency established as the reason for speeding.

The list of factors increasing seriousness of a case is a lot larger, however:

• Previous convictions (statutory)
• If the offence is committed while on bail (statutory)
• If the offence is committed on license or post sentence supervision
• Poor road and/or weather conditions
• If the offence is committed while driving an LGV, HGV, PSV, etc
• If the offence is committed while towing a caravan or trailer
• Speeding while carrying passengers or a heavy load
• Driving in a location requiring caution (e.g. near a school)
• High levels of traffic or pedestrians in the vicinity
• Evidence of unacceptable standard of driving over and above speed

Should any of these factors come into account, a potential reduction could still be made for a guilty plea.

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