SLOW DOWN! New Speeding Sentencing Guidelines in force today.

Today sees the revised S 89(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 come into force.  This will see much tougher bands of sentence in Courts for Speeding Offences.

The changes have come about following a consultation in 2016, which showed that many magistrates and criminal justice professionals felt the current sentencing guidelines "did not properly take into account the increase in potential harm that can result as speed above the speed limit increases".

The Maximum level of fine available to the courts will remain the same at a Level 3 Fine £1,000 (Level 4 (£2,500) on a motorway) Band A charges are for drivers who exceed the stated speed limit between one and 10mph. If you have travelled between 31mph to 40mph in a 30mph zone, you can be charged 50 per cent of your weekly income in addition to three points on your licence.  This increases up to 150% of relevant weekly income for a Band C Offence.

Paul Henocq of this practice, warns drivers of the changes;

“Beside the increase financially for these offences, the implications for the points on your licence should not be overlooked, for any motorist who has held their licence for less than two years, just one band C offence is enough for them to lose their licence and face an immediate driving ban.”

Band A offenders can receive three penalty points on their licence, band B drivers can face between four and six points, while band C offences carry a six penalty point charge.

When a driver accumulates 12 penalty points within a 3 year period the totting up procedure is engaged. Under these circumstances, Court guidelines state that a disqualification from driving should be imposed for at least 6 months.

Specialist Licensing Solicitors John Gaunt & Partners are here to protect all types of Licences,  should you be affected by the new changes and find your driving licence at risk, please call us on 0114 266 8664 for advice.