 |
The UK has led the way with its approach to lowering speed through a combination of measures linked to introducing speed cameras. Approximately 6,000 fixed or mobile cameras sites are used and are complemented by mobile controlling patrols. Some police cars are fitted with on board video surveillance systems with the ability to gauge the speed of a vehicle. |
Section control is also being introduced using the SPECS system which measures average speeds between two cameras. Another measure being introduced to tackle speeding alongside the long-standing driver improvement training are speed awareness courses. These are intended primarily for offenders caught at speeds just above the current threshold for prosecution. A driver will only be offered one course during three years.
Seat belt enforcement is undertaken during part of everyday policing and specific local campaigns. Part of intelligence-led policing focuses police enforcement activity on 'crash locations' where seat belt wearing will also be scrutinised. In England and Wales once an offence is detected it is generally left to the discretion of the police officer as to whether a verbal, written warning or a fixed penalty fine is given.
The normal course of action
 |
In Scotland officers also initially may give either a verbal warning, issue a ticket or submit their report to the Procurator Fiscal. However, the normal course of action is to issue a ticket and fine of £30. In Northern Ireland, since 2001 a fixed penalty fine is always given. This has translated into a real increase in the seat belt wearing rate there of 67% to 77% (rear) and 86% to 91% (front) |
between 2001 and 2004. Speeding is an offence which carries an optional number of penalty points. A court can impose any number of points from 3-6. In addition to imposing penalty points, a court will invariably order a fine to be paid and prosecution costs to be paid.
Under what is known as the "totting up system" the accumulation of 12 penalty points on a licence over a three year period can have drastic consequences. It means that a court must disqualify the licence holder for a minimum period of six months.
Discretionary disqualification by a court
 |
For both individuals and businesses, being able to drive is crucial to earning a living. Accumulate 12 penalty points on your licence over a three year period and you will be disqualified from driving for a minimum 6 month period. Exceed a speed limit by 30 mph or more and you could be given a discretionary disqualification by a court in any event. |
The data above is based on information by public sources. No rights can be derived from this publication.
This page on fines for speeding offences in United Kingdom is about UK traffic penalties, speeding, offences, built-up area, motorways, foreign enforcement, drivers license, over limit.