Tougher fines for speeding offences come into force

Under new laws, Magistrates have been given the power to increase fines for speeding offences where are drivers caught at speeds well in excess of the existing legal limits.

Drivers caught doing 51mph in a 30mph zone or 101mph on a motorway would previously have faced a fine starting from 100 per cent of their weekly income. That level has now risen to 150 per cent.

The changes occur as a result of an increase in offenders caught driving at a high speed. The changes are expected to have a significant impact on the level of fines imposed by the courts.

We have an experienced team of lawyers specialising in crime and road traffic offences. Speeding offences can often result in the loss of a licence where the speed is really excessive. Even minor speeding offences can result in a disqualification where the driver accumulates 12 penalty points, or where a new driver accumulates 6 points in the first 2 years of driving.

In cases involving really excessive speed, drivers will usually receive a postal requisition to attend court. Drivers who receive a postal requisition should consult a lawyer specialising in road traffic offences to obtain immediate advice.

The loss of someone's licence can often have devastating consequences, not just for the driver but for his or her family and other third parties. Being disqualified can, in many cases, result in the loss of employment.

The courts do have discretion not to disqualify a driver who has reached 12 points but only where 'exceptional circumstances exist'. Exceptional circumstances arguments require preparation and are often successful. They are more likely to be successful if supported by evidence, such as a letter from an employer to say that if an employee is disqualified then he or she would lose their job. Many drivers in this position have reached the point where the court is considering disqualification because of a number of speeding offences.

The courts would not disqualify a driver in his or her absence. If a driver is liable to disqualification, the court would require their attendance at court. Drivers facing a ban should go to court with a lawyer who can argue their case.

If you need any advice relating to a speeding offence or any other driving offence please contact us today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in St Albans (Hertfordshire) on 01727 840900 on by email.