RAC comments on new sentencing guidelines for excessive speeders

Commenting on new sentencing guidelines that come into force today for people who drive at excessive speeds, RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said:

“We welcome the change in sentencing guidelines for gross speeders. Anyone who breaks the limit excessively is a danger to every other road user and is unnecessarily putting lives at risk.

“Hopefully, hitting these offenders harder in the pocket will make them think twice before doing it again in the future. But tougher penalties are only effective in changing behaviour or increasing compliance if drivers genuinely believe that they are likely to be caught and prosecuted for breaking the law.

“With a significantly reduced number of dedicated roads policing officers you have to question whether increased fines alone will change the attitude of excessive speeders.

“We believe it requires a combination of factors to be effective in achieving a behaviour change. It needs tougher penalties, better targeted enforcement, better education and understanding of the risks and drivers have to take personal responsibility for their actions.”