Following the announcement that the Government plans to increase fixed penalties for those caught speeding ‘excessively’, a survey by RoadPilot Ltd has revealed that two thirds of British motorists admit to breaking the speed limit on a regular basis.
The study found that the majority of drivers speed because they feel that the limits imposed on UK roads are too low – particularly the 70 miles-per-hour limit in place on dual carriageways and motorways, which 60 per cent of respondents say should be raised.
“Given the large number of people who admit to speeding, and the fact that there are over 10,000 speed camera sites in the UK, there are potentially a large number of drivers at risk of losing their license under the new proposals,” comments James Flynn OBE, CEO of RoadPilot. “This is particularly true on motorways, where modern cars can make it all too easy for motorists to stray above the limit.”
Under the Government’s new scheme, which begins consultation today, motorists would receive six penalty points plus a £100 fine for a single offence where their vehicle’s speed exceeds a certain threshold.
While these new limits are under consultation, it is expected that within a 30 mph zone, the six-point endorsement would take effect when speed exceeds 50 mph, and on motorways the threshold would be 90 mph. Anyone committing two such offences would automatically incur 12 points on their licence, and therefore be subject to an immediate driving ban.
“There are currently over one million UK drivers with six-or-more points on their licence, who – if the legislation goes through unchanged – are potentially just one offence away from a ban,” continues Flynn.
“The pressure on drivers to constantly monitor their speed is intensifying, and many more are now turning to GPS speed camera locators to protect their licence. Taking into account the cost of the fine, and the subsequent increase in insurance premiums that many drivers face after being caught speeding, the RoadPilot microGo speed camera locator helps drivers protect their wallet as well as their licence.”
The microGo comes pre-loaded with RoadPilot’s comprehensive database of UK and European camera sites. When not in alert mode the microGo displays the vehicle’s precise speed – to a greater degree of accuracy than the vehicle’s standard speedometer.
The microGo can be purchased for around £99.95, and currently at selected retailers for £69.95. For more information, or to order online, visit roadpilot.com, or call 0870 240 1702.
