According to a poll of 304 drivers conducted by Marmalade, the specialist telematics insurer for young drivers, almost 60 percent of drivers hitting the road are unaware of the change in speeding fines that came into effect today.
The poll showed that only 38 percent of drivers aged over 25 knew about the changes, while 44 percent of drivers under 25 knew of the changes. Regardless of age, 58 percent of the respondents did not know that speeding fines have significantly increased.
Up until today, the maximum fine for breaking the speed limit was £1,000, or £2,500 if caught on the motorway. The new fines are divided in three categories – a Band A fine, less than 10 mph over the speed limit, is 50 percent of the driver’s weekly income; a Band B fine, between 11 and 20 mph over the speed limit, is 100 percent of the driver’s weekly income; and a Band C fine, for those caught going more than 20 mph over the speed limit, is up to 150 per cent of their weekly income.
In addition to the steeper fines, drivers still face points against their licence or disqualification, depending on the severity of the offence.
These changes came from a Sentencing Council consultation held last year, who hope to ensure a ‘clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases.’
Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, is sceptical of the changes, saying: ‘‘Rather than increasing fines in an attempt to promote road safety, we need to work on improving and informing our drivers. Hiking up fines won’t slow people down – especially if drivers aren’t aware of the change!
The good news for young drivers is that they are less likely to be affected by these changes: according to a recent Freedom of Information request, young drivers are less likely to commit a speeding offence than drivers aged 25-54, making up less than 8 percent of speeding offences.’’
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