Tougher penalties for speeding

A third of motorists could face harsher penalties if caught speeding

21st March 2008

Over three quarters (77 per cent) of drivers are in support of a proposed Government scheme that would result in motorists receiving a higher number of penalty points the more they exceed the speed limit.

Research from Direct Line Motor Insurance found that the majority of drivers are caught speeding just a few miles an hour over the limit, and so are currently paying the same punishment as an excessive speeder. The scheme proposes a change from the present fixed three penalty points to an appropriate number between two and six, meaning that the punishment would more accurately fit the crime. Under the new graduated rules a third (32%) of drivers could suffer harsher penalties.

Of the motorists who admitted being caught for speeding, the majority (64 per cent) were driving up to 10 miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit at the time they were caught. Nearly one in 10 (nine per cent) motorists were caught driving 20mph over the speed limit.

Eight in 10 (80 per cent) motorists who currently have points on their licence would support the introduction of a graduated penalty points system. The majority (65 per cent) of these motorists have just three points on their licence, meaning it's more likely they have been caught speeding on one occasion rather than being habitual speeders.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Direct Line Car Insurance, says: "The proposed scheme would deal out a milder punishment to those who do not deliberately set out to exceed the speed limit. It is designed to hit those who continuously and deliberately exceed the speed limit by extreme amounts.

"We do not condone speeding in any form, but do recognize the need for a system that comes down harder on those who break the speed limit excessively. This extremely dangerous driving significantly increases the chance of causing or being involved in an accident."

The research shows that women are more likely to be caught out driving at just a few miles an hour over the limit - more than one in five (21 per cent) was caught driving less than five miles an hour over the limit, compared to nearly one in seven (15 per cent) men.

Men, however, are more likely to exceed the limit to a greater degree. Almost three in 10 (29 per cent) men were caught driving between 10 and 20 miles per hour over the limit compared to 17 per cent of women. Men are also twice as likely to be caught breaking the speed limit on motorways, with nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) caught compared to nearly one in 20 (four per cent) women.

Frances Browning continues: "Our research demonstrates that men are more likely to drive significantly over the speed limit compared to women. Under the proposed graduated penalty points system, they could receive up to six points on their licence for one excessive speeding incident.

"All drivers should ensure they keep within the speed limit - that way they won't incur any penalty points at all, graduated or otherwise."

- Ends -

For further information:

RBS Insurance Press Office
Tel: 0208 285 3277

Notes to Editors:

The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line Motor Insurance by Opinium Research. A nationally representative sample of 2,003 GB adults were questioned online between 7th and 11th March 2008.

Direct Line Group Services Limited, registered in England no.3001989, registered office 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG. The following are also members of the Direct Line group of companies: Direct Line Insurance plc, a member of the General Insurance Standards Council and Direct Line Life Insurance Company Limited and Direct Line Unit Trusts Limited, both authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Loans, Mortgages, Credit Cards and Savings provided by Direct Line Financial Services Limited, registered in England number 2372702, registered office 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG.

All are members of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

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Three million motorists admit to ‘bump and run’ driving – press release from Direct Line
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