At present drivers are offered fixed penalties (�60 and three points) only if their speed is not excessive. The Association of Chief Police Officers� (ACPO) guidelines suggest that fixed penalties should be offered (in relation to the prevailing speed limit) up to the following speeds:
20mph � 35
30mph � 50
40mph � 66
50mph � 76
60mph � 86
70mph � 96
Above these speeds and a summons is issued. Magistrates� sentencing guidelines for speeds immediately in excess of the above table are a fine of one week�s income and either 4, 5 or 6 points or a ban of up to 56 days. So the law already provides for a disqualification (under �totting up�) after only two offences, and in fact can involve a ban for a single offence alone.
The proposal mentioned seems to be a Fixed Penalty version to encompass some of the current arrangements (albeit with some minor changes in the thresholds).
The present system does contain some anomalies. To take the 70mph limit as an example, a fixed penalty is usually offered up to 96mph, but the Magistrates� guidelines provide for a more serious penalty (4 points, or a 42 day ban plus a fine of one week�s wages) at 91mph.
Even with the relatively generous limits provided by the ACPO, an enormous number of speeding offences still have to be processed through the courts. This proposal will ensure swifter processing and free up court time.