| Transport Secretary Alastair Darling has announced new
Government proposals to introduce a system of graduated fixed
penalties for drivers that are caught speeding. He explained, “We
are seeking views on a new graduated system of penalties for
speeding designed to be more effective and appropriate than the
current 'one-size fits all' approach. We want to ensure that the
level of the penalty fits the severity of the offence – including a
crackdown on the most dangerous offences".
The new system would penalise drivers by looking at the speed
limit they are breaking and by how much:
| |
Lower penalty –
2 points and £40 fine |
Medium penalty – 3 points and £60 fine
|
Higher Penalty – 6 points and £100 fine
|
|
Speed Limit (mph) |
Speed up to including (mph)
|
Speed (mph) |
Speed at or above (mph) |
|
20 |
No lower penalty for speeding in 20 mph zone
|
Up to and including 31 mph |
32 |
|
30 |
39 |
40-44 |
45 |
|
40 |
50 |
51-56 |
57 |
|
50 |
61 |
62-69 |
70 |
|
60 |
72 |
73-81 |
82 |
|
70 |
83 |
84-93 |
94 |
Whilst the majority of motorists welcome this new idea there is
still the concern that the main grievance - the number and position
of speed cameras on our roads today – has not been addressed. These
proposals do not change the fact that over 3 million drivers are
likely to be caught speeding this year. Even with the reduced number
of points many of these drivers will face losing their licence for
unintentionally creeping over the speed limit.
So speeding remains a serious and emotive issue that calls for
effective action. ChauffeurPlan, a low-cost insurance policy designed to keep
motorists on the road when the unexpected happens. The policy is
designed to protect you if you lose your licence through speeding or
under the totting up rule, if you suffer any kind of injury –
sporting or otherwise – and also if your car is stolen, vandalised
or involved in an accident.
ChauffeurPlan do not condone speeding. The ChauffeurPlan insurance policy is designed to help drivers who rely
on their car to get around and may inadvertently creep over the
limit.
The government's commitment to introducing flexible
speed penalties will mean that it remains relatively easy for
sensible drivers, with years of experience to pick up points on
their licence. If they then lost the use of their car through a
driving ban the impact on their work and social life could be
devastating.
Nigel Speirs, CEO of a firm of Financial Advisors, knows only too
well how costly losing his licence could have been. He faced major
concerns about how he might continue with his job having received a
3-month ban under the totting up rule. Mr Spiers explained, “I
don't usually drive fast as my job depends on my mobility – and
there is no alternative method of transport that I can use".
Luckily for Mr Speirs, he had taken out a Longford Insurance
Schemes' ChauffeurPlan policy, paying £13.50 per month for a 3 star
policy.
“I took out a ChauffeurPlan policy to provide cover for this
eventuality. My job means that I am constantly on the road and I
have staff members and introducers relying on me to get them to
meetings. Remaining mobile is essential."
ChauffeurPlan paid £210 a week for Mr Speirs to employ a local
driver for the three-month period of his disqualification. He went
on to say, “I can't recommend ChauffeurPlan highly enough – it
helped me continue without incurring the costs of a driver myself".
Dec 2004 |
