New speeding penalties laws proposed for specific type of road

Campaigners are calling for "heavily punishing" speeding penalties to be changed for roads with certain restrictions.

A petition to Parliament has been launched calling for the standard penalty of 3 points on your driving licence that applies if you are caught speeding to be reduced to just 1 point on 20mph roads, for speeds up to 25mph.

The petition states: "We feel that the current penalty of 3 points for speeding in 20mph areas is disproportionate. We think the current penalty treats these drivers the same as other drivers who speed at much higher limits.

"In areas like London, drivers can be penalised for doing 24mph in 20mph areas, which we feel is heavily punishing."

The current rules state that if caught speeding, you will get a minimum penalty of 3 penalty points on your driving licence as well as an £100 fine.

If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years, you could be disqualified from driving. Police may offer you the chance to go on a speed awareness course as an alternative to the fine and the points on your licence.

The rules are even stricter if you recently passed your driving test - your driving licence will be revoked if you accrue 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing your test.

The petition also states: "We feel it's easy to collect multiple 3 points penalties if drivers are making many journeys. We would like the penalties reviewed. Penalties can impact drivers insurance costs and can affect their ability to work."

If the petition can get 10,000 signatures, Government ministers will provide a response, and if it reaches 100,000 signatories, the issue will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Advice on the Government website about speed limits explains: "You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle.

"The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions."

These speed limits apply to all single and dual carriageways with street lights, unless there are signs showing otherwise:

• 30 mph (48km/h) in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland
• 20 mph (32km/h) in Wales.

Local councils have the discretion to set their own speed limits in certain areas, and these have to be clearly signed. This could include a 20mph zone in a built-up area or near a school.