From Monday, April 24 new sentencing guidelines for motorists will be introduced.
Drivers caught well over the speed limit will face a fine of up to 150% of their weekly income - which amounts to coughing up one-and-a-half times of their weekly wage.
With just a couple of days before the new penalties come into effect, here's everything you need to know.
What are the new fines for speeding?
Magistrates courts in England and Wales will be able to hand out longer sentences and harsher fines to drivers, thanks to the new guidelines.
Currently the most serious offenders are fined 100%, of their weekly income, but they could be facing fines of 150% from Monday onwards.
The maximum you will be fined under the new guidelines is £2,500.
If a motorist is caught driving above 101mph they could be slapped with a 56-day driving ban or get six points on their licence.
They could also face a fine of between 125%-175% of their weekly income.
Which speed limits will attract higher fines?
How much a motorist is fined will depend on two things:
- What the national speed limit is where you are caught driving.
- And how much above the speed you going.
These are the speeds which will now attract hefty fines:
20mph speed limit but driving above 41mph
30mph but driving above 51mph
40mph but driving above 66mph
50mph but driving above 76-85
60mph but driving above 91mph
70mph but driving above 101mph
Why are the rules changing?
In 2016 the Sentencing Council held a consultation with magistrates courts and criminal justice professionals about the guidelines that were in place at the time.
It was revealed that these did not take into account the serious dangers and potential harm that going way above the speed limit can cause.
The penalties have been hiked to reflect these dangers
For more information on the upcoming changes visit the Sentencing Council site.
