Speeding fines are set to rise by 50 per cent, from £60 to £90 under proposals unveiled by government ministers last week.
Interestingly, the news appeared to be ‘buried’ by the media.
Rather than the obvious headlines like the one to this blog (above), the press coverage I saw (which admittedly was not comprehensive because I purposely avoid the main stream media like the plague) talked about fine increases for the much more unpopular (and dangerous) offence of texting whilst driving.
When they took office, the Coalition promised to end what they called “Labour’s war on the motorist” after accusing them of using drivers as a “cash cow”.
I wholeheartedly agreed with this approach, as did around 90% of BTST Members based on surveys.
Yet based on the latest available Government figures, the latest changes would net the Treasury an additional £33.5 million a year in motoring fines.
That might sound like a lot of money, but in the context of income from taxes and national insurance contributions, which were £522400000000 (£522.4 billion) in 2010-2011, it represents around a 0.006 increase in income.
That’s like £15.90 to a man who earns the average national wage of £26,500.
Is that really worth pissing off 38 million motorists over? I can’t see it myself, unless we are really that desperate for money as a nation…
If it makes you sad, then take solace that you are not alone.
If this news makes you want to become a Member of DriveProtect, give us a call.
Adam
DriveProtect: 01843 232 791
Become a Member Online: Here
I dont know why you are moaning – the higher the speeding fines are the more speed & radar detectors you are likely to sell. When you have a relative that was killed in an accident due to the other driver texting while driving I doubt very much your enthusiasm regarding your objection to this proposed legislation.
“Is that really worth pissing off 38 million motorists over?”
…are you suggesting 38 million motorists drive around texting &/ or speeding all the time?!
Seem to me, the best advice hasn’t changed at all, namely don’t use your mobile phone when driving, & don’t exceed the speed limit which, as I’m sure you’re aware, is the MAXIMUM speed limit.
People who go around thinking “the rules don’t apply to me” deserve everything they get quite frankly.