Changes to speeding penalties on the way

• Worst speeders to get double points
• Fines to remain the same
• Proposals to be confirmed by the end of 2007

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The government looks set to unveil plans to change the way that drivers are penalised when they break the speed limit.

Instead of the existing system, where three points are gained for speeding and a fine is incurred, there would be a second, higher tier of penalties for drivers who are caught doing dangerously high speeds.

Any driver caught above the higher speed threshold would gain a further three points automatically.

The move comes in response to the ongoing debate about the sighting of speed cameras, and whether the income they generate is overshadowing their road safety benefits.

By having a two-tier system, drivers who drift slightly above the limit would be given the standard points and fine as now, whereas the worst offenders would risk losing their licence more quickly.

However, the fine would remain the same, to emphasise the fact that it is the driver's licence that is being penalised, not their bank balance.

Details are still being discussed, but it has been suggested that travelling at 45mph in a 30mph zone would attract a six-point penalty.

The findings of the group working on the review should be published by the end of the year, with any changes being implemented shortly afterwards, pending governmental approval.