Speeding – what the new rules mean

New, harsher penalties for motorists convicted of speeding are to be introduced after a review of the current sentencing guidelines.

The Sentencing Council issued the advice to magistrates' courts in England and Wales to ensure a "clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases."

Current guidelines mean the most serious speeding offences land culprits with a fine capped at £1,000, however this rises to £2,500 if the offence is committed on a motorway

Under the new rules, when dealing with the worst cases, magistrates will be able to calculate fines from a starting point of 150 per cent of the driver's weekly income rather than the existing level of 100 per cent of their weekly income. However, the current upper maximum limits will stay in place.

The change, which comes into effect on April 24 2017, follows criticism that the previous guidelines did not take into account the increase in potential harm caused by speeds above the legal limit.

• For help and advice on this area of the law, please contact Michael Gupwell at Wards Solicitors, Bristol.