£100 fine for going 1mph over speed limit

Millions of road users could be at risk of speeding tickets as a result of an official review into the current speeding ‘buffer zone’.

The new proposals would see riders who go 1mph over the limit sent on a speed awareness course, while persistent offenders could be hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence. Riders who break the limit by more could get a court summons, larger fines, or even a driving ban.

Road users are currently given an excess leeway of 10% of the limit (plus 2mph) before fines are enforced – meaning a motorist in a 30mph zone is only normally fined once they reach 35mph.

National Roads Policing Head, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, has reportedly written in a report: “We need to change our messaging and ensure greater consistency of approach when dealing with those who exceed the limit. The existing speed enforcement guidance (in particular the stated 10% plus 2mph allowance) could be encouraging driving at these more dangerous higher speeds rather than the actual speed limits. If properly understood and applied, the guidance may provide forces with the necessary flexibility, but over time its rigid application and understanding are often misunderstood, with an expectation that the ‘norm’ is ‘it’s okay to speed’.”

However, other police bosses fear tougher rules would be difficult to enforce – in addition to being concerned that there could be a public backlash. And some police chiefs are said to believe that police resources across the country are too stretched to ensure the new penalties are imposed.