Just over 60% of UK drivers have admitted they will continue to drive over the legal speed limit, even if that means paying the higher level fines introduced earlier this year.
According to a survey of 2,002 UK drivers by finance broker, CarFinance 247, those that took part admitted to knowingly breaking the speed limit at least three times per car journey.
Almost 7 in 10 drivers (69%) stated they have had at least one speeding-related road accident since passing their driving test. For those caught out, speed-related offences have cost drivers an average of £307 each over the past 12 months.
Speeding fines for the most serious cases in England and Wales increased by up to 50% from April 24 this year after new sentencing guidelines took effect.
The previous limit for a speeding fine was 100% of the driver’s weekly wage, up to £1,000 or £2,500 if they were caught on a motorway.
However, under the new guidelines a driver caught doing 41mph in a 20mph zone, or 101mph on a motorway, could be fined 150% of their weekly income – although the upper cash limit will stay the same.
Most people (66%) agreed that drivers are more reckless on the road now than they were 10 years ago, and more than half (56%) were positive about self-driving cars being better than human drivers at identifying and reducing potentially fatal road accidents.
Louis Rix, CarFinance 247 director, said: “Despite good intentions from the Government in increasing speeding penalties, it seems the prospect of a fine isn’t a strong enough deterrent for drivers.
“In fact, many seem to be justifying the fine as ‘payment’, giving drivers a pass to speed and break the law.
“From the moment they begin driving, we urge drivers to refresh their knowledge of common traffic signs and ‘speed down’ - obeying the rules of the road keeps us all safer in the long run.”
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.