New speeding penalties welcomed by Northumbria Police
24th April 2017
From today, Monday 24 April, police across the country will be able to issue tougher penalties for speeding motorists, changes welcomed by Northumbria Police’s Op Dragoon team and Dame Vera Baird QC, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
A change in sentencing guidelines means that courts in England and Wales can hand out longer sentences and higher fines. The most serious offences could incur fines of up to 150% of the offender’s weekly income.
In accordance with the new guidelines, anyone caught driving at more than 101mph in a 70mph zone could be disqualified for up to 56 days and fined up to 175 per cent of their weekly income.
Those caught doing 41mph in a 20mph zone, 51mph in a 30mph zone or 66mph in a 40mph zone could be fined up to 150 per cent of their weekly income.
Drivers will also face points, or a disqualification depending on the offence.
Motor Patrols Inspector Dave Little, of the Operations Department for Northumbria Police, has said road safety is top of the agenda for the Force and has welcomed the change in legislation.
He said: “We firmly support these tougher penalties coming into force and hope to see them acting as a deterrent against excessive speeding. Those who choose to break the speed limit are putting lives at risk and causing danger to other road users. The devastation that can result from speeding is unspeakable. Officers will continue to carry out operations across the region to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”
Anyone who wants to report a driver who is behaving in a careless or dangerous manner should contact the Op Dragoon team on 101.
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