UK - Motorists could face a driving ban after two speeding t

Motorists could face a driving ban after two speeding offences, if Department for Transport proposals are implemented.

Under the proposals motorists breaking speed limits by significant degrees will receive six penalty points if caught. 12 points leads to an automatic ban.

Doing 45mph in a 30mph zone; 32mph in a 20 zone; 57mph in a 40 zone; or 94mph in a 70 zone will incur six points if the proposals are implemented.

Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by a few miles per hour may receive only two points. Fines will also be applied on a sliding scale, if the proposals become law.

Currently exceeding the speed limit brings at least three points, though police often prosecute if the speed is well in excess of the limit. Magistrates are then responsible for deciding the level of punishment.

Jim Fitzpatrick, of the DfT, said: "Graduated speeding penalties make the punishment better fit the crime.

“This considers drivers who breach the limit by a small amount through lapses in concentration.

"It also allows for a higher penalty as a strong deterrent against more extreme speeders."

But anti-speed camera group Safespeed was not impressed by the proposals.

"The problem is that we´re simply not using the right definition of ´too fast,´ said SafeSpeed founder Paul Smith.

"Everyone knows that it´s dangerous to drive too fast, but the speed limit almost never tells us what too fast is.

"The graduated speeding penalty proposal adds to the false message that the speed limit is the main definition of ´too fast´.