new Government speeding proposals

The Government has today launched a three-month consultation looking at a range of issues relating to motoring after figures revealed that there were 2,946 deaths and 30,000 serious injuries on British roads last year.

The Government is proposing that drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by a 'significant margin' on two occasions could be automatically banned from the roads. As the law currently stands, many speeding offences are punished with a fixed penalty notice of a fine and three points. But the Government wants to introduce more severe punishments for so-called 'excessive speeders', namely those caught driving in excess of 20 mph over the speed limit. If adopted, these 'anti-social drivers' would automatically be given six points. Being caught twice at such speeds would mean 12 points and an automatic disqualification from driving. Also under consideration is the idea that the penalty for a minor speeding offence could be cut to two points.

The consultation also suggests creating formal drug-drive limits. Although the Government says it is still gathering evidence on whether the drink-drive limit should be lowered, it wants to crack down on drivers who use drugs, particularly frequent drug drivers. There is currently no legal 'driving limit' for cannabis, heroin or cocaine, so the prosecution must prove that a motorist's ability to drive is impaired through drugs.

The three-month consultation will also outline proposals to improve the enforcement of drink-driving limits. Road safety campaigners argue that the maximum of 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood should be lowered to 50 mg. However, the consultation seems to prefer alternative measures, for example encouraging friends, neighbours and colleagues to inform police about people who frequently drink and drive.

For more information, contact Tim Williamson, a solicitor in Blake Lapthorn's Motoring Offences team on 01865 253286; or email tim.williamson@bllaw.co.uk.