BY HANNAH GRAHAM

Speeding fines are set to rise as of next month in a bid to offer a greater deterrent to drivers.

Offenders could be fined up to £2,500 following the implementation of stricter laws that will take effect on April 24.

Drivers caught speeding on the motorway could face a fine of up to £2,500 as magistrates will be allowed to apply fines of up to 150 per cent of the offender’s weekly income, a sharp increase from the previous 100 per cent.

Offenders caught elsewhere could face a maximum penalty of £1,000. This change has come about due to the Sentencing Council and its belief that the previous punishments didn’t reflect the damage that speeding could do.

Speeding is said to be one of the crimes set to see increased or alternative punishments in the future, as well as animal cruelty and TV license evasion.

It is hoped that these new penalties will offer a greater deterrent to previous offenders and demonstrate the power and overall effectiveness of the magistrates court.

I believe that the heftier fines are better because speeding is such a serious crime due to the harm it can cause.

The risk of causing an accident is much higher when at a higher speed and there are a lot of drivers that don’t realise the potential damage that speeding could have–until it’s too late.