New guidelines starting on April 24th will ensure that drivers caught speeding will be hit with a fine which is a percentage of their weekly wage, ranging from 50 to 175 per cent.
But new research by breakdown cover provider Green Flag into British attitudes toward speeding and other driving offences has cast doubt on whether the change will be effective.
The survey shows more than a fifth of Britons think the new speeding laws will have little effect, with three quarters of those polled are calling for the motorway speed limit to be raised to 80mph and almost 40 per cent indicating the UK’s speed limits are ‘out of date and in need of review’.
Simon Henrick, head of news at Green Flag, said: “With a 44 per cent increase in speeding offences in some parts of the country last year and a quarter of people saying someone they know has been injured by someone else’s speeding, it’s important that drivers stick to the speed limit, stay off their phones and check their car is road worthy before heading out on a journey.”
Just over a quarter of those questioned believe speed limits should be made more lenient on empty roads, and 56 per cent of people think that drivers breaking the limit by speeds of less than 5mph should have allowances made for them.
55 per cent agree speed limits are most important in built up areas.
45 per cent say 20mph zones in town centres are a good idea.
73 per cent blaming lack of enforcement funding.
40 per cent believe the UK’s speed limits are out of date.
The new guidelines on speeding follow recently introduced rules on using phones at the wheel. Drivers now face double penalty points and fines. The survey also revealed 80 per cent of people believe the offence should have harsher penalties.
