With increasing the safety of Britain’s roads a top priority at all times, in 2017 the government transformed the laws surrounding speeding penalties in an effort to reduce road deaths and accidents. As opposed to focusing on increased punishment for all offenders, the changes focus on punishing the worst offenders, with penalties for reckless speeding on the up, rather than for lesser offences.

Driving at excessive speeds now makes the offender liable to a fine equal to 150 per cent of their weekly income, a figure up 50 per cent from before the changes were made. These fines would be reserved for speeds that fall under ‘Band C’ shown in the table below, the highest category.

Over 100,000 speeding offences are prosecuted each year in the UK, with annual takings from fines topping up the HM Treasury coffers with millions of pounds. In the process, the most dangerous drivers are removed from public roads with driving bans of varying length depending on the severity of their offence.

The increase in fines for the worst offenders came just after the government doubled fines and points for mobile phone usage at the wheel, with punishment for the offence now amounting to £200 and six points for anyone caught breaking the law.

2018 UK speeding fine bands

Fine ceilings for speeding were previously £1000, or £2500 if caught on a motorway. The higher motorway cap remains, however law enforcement have been instructed to hand out a greater number of the maximum-level fines. Details of the various speeding bands are displayed in the table below.

Speed Limit (mph) Recorded speed (mph) Band C Band B Band A 20 41 and above 31 - 41 21 - 30 30 51 and above 41 - 50 31 - 40 40 66 and above 56 - 65 41 - 55 50 76 and above 66 - 75 51 - 65 60 91 and above 81 - 90 61- 80 70 101 and above 91 - 100 71 - 90 Points/disqualification Disqualify 7 to 56 days or 6 points Disqualify 7 to 28 days or 4 to 6 points 3 points

Under the old speeding fines system, fines falling under bands B and C equaled 100 per cent of offender’s weekly income. However that has now increased to 150 percent. Offenders could be subject to the double whammy and banned from driving for up to 56 days or get six points on their licence.

The current minimum fine of £100 and three points remains according to www.gov.uk. What’s more, law abiding citizens with a clean licence may still be able to circumvent the points hit by attending a speed awareness course. Previous speeders will not be extended such opportunities, and they will see their points total climb further towards a ban.

It's understood the majority of Band A fines will equate to a half of your weekly wage. However, this initial fine could be adjusted subject to the court's discretion based on the specifics of the case in question. Such variables include, poor weather, the population density of the area or the timing of an offence in relation to previous convictions committed (if applicable).

The same adjustment can be made to Band B and C fines too. Look below to see the various adjustment rates.

Starting point Range Fine Band A 50% of weekly income 25 – 75% of weekly income Fine Band B 100% of weekly income 75 – 125% of weekly income Fine Band C 150% of weekly income 125 – 175% of weekly income

What could a speeding ticket cost you?

The average speeding fine in 2015 was £188 with over 150,000 falling prey to speed cameras and traffic patrol units. With fines rising by 50 per cent the average fine could increase to £282. Although the £100 minimum, which is likely to be the most frequent fine, may reduce that average.

Using the UK’s average salary as a reference we will go through a few eventualities to explain the increased fines. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average salary as of April 2015 stood at £27,600. Read below to find out what you could pay if you earn the average UK wage.

Band A offence example

If you were caught travelling at a recorded speed of 36mph in a 30mph zone you would be prosecuted under Band A rulings.

Three points will go on your licence.

The initial fine would be £265.38, 50 per cent of your weekly wage.

Depending on the circumstances the final figure could range between: £132.69 (25 per cent of your weekly wage) and £398.08 (75 per cent of your weekly wage).

Fine value Per cent of weekly earning Starting point fine £265.38 50 Maximum fine £398.08 75 Minimum fine £132.69 25

Band B offence example

69mph in a 50mph zone:

Fine value Per cent of weekly earning Starting point fine £530.77 100 Maximum fine £663.46 125 Minimum fine £398.08 75

Band C offence example

105mph in a 70mph zone: