Drivers could be fined up to £10,000 for motoring offenses in new proposals

Based on new plans that the government is considering, drivers who are caught speeding on motorways could be fined up to £10,000.

17:06 10 June 2014

Based on the new plans being considered by the government, Magistrates will be able to fine drivers for speeding at a rate that will be four times larger than they can at present. 

 

The maximum penalty for offences such as driving with defective tyre and drink-driving could thus become a huge £10,000. 

 

Drivers who are convicted of criminal damage could also be fined for the same amount. 

 

Meanwhile, drivers who are caught using their mobile phone while on the road and those who ignore red traffic lights could be fined up to £4,000. 

 

Justice Minister Jeremy Wright said the changes would give magistrates the "greater powers" they need to punish offenders.

 

He said: "Magistrates are the cornerstone of our justice system and these changes will provide them with greater powers to deal with the day-to-day offences that impact their local communities."

 

However, motoring groups strongly opposed the plans saying that they are “disproportionate and draconian.” Edmund King, president of the AA, added: "We wouldn't condone excessive speeding ... but fines have to be proportionate to the offence.

 

"One has to question whether increasing the fines four-fold is proportionate and it probably isn't."