Points of view
In the week that Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, announced plans to raise the speed limit on motorways to 80mph, I received a Police summons for 80mph on the M4 at. For this offence, I may be able to avoid points by attending a speed awareness course. However, when we reach 2013 and the speed limit is raised to 80mph, should I look forward to receiving an acknowledgment that my driving was actually quite safe, in line with Ministerial views at the time and receive a full refund of the course costs? I doubt it. But if I am not offered this course and have to accept 3 points on my licence, then, if the change to the limit does get passed in 2013, I will have current penalty points for which there is no offence. Should the Police therefore, be wasting everyone’s time now, by prosecuting motorists for doing 80mph particularly since 49% of cars are doing this speed anyway.
Asked on 5 October 2011 by PJ, Suffolk
Answered by
Honest John
No, because the "experimental" increase in the motorway speed limit will not be universal and will not be retrospective. Bad luck to get done for 80, but your speedo was probably registering something like 87 at the time. Best thing you can do it take the course and avoid the points and the inevitable insurance hike.
Tags:
motorways
speed limits
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