It has been reported in The Independent and other media that the Metropolitan Police have reduced their speeding threshold by 1mph which has led to a significant 259% rise in fines.
A 1mph change in the speeding threshold
Speed limit tolerance thresholds vary based on the police force, but it is understood that the Met only prosecuted drivers who broke the speed limit by 10% plus 3mph.
Under the recent change, drivers who break the speed limit by 10% plus 2mph are now receiving a fixed penalty notice or are offered a speed awareness course. This means that drivers driving at 35mph or above in a 30mph zone could be caught by a speed camera.
The difference in thresholds is discretionary and is subject to change without the public’s knowledge. There is no obligation on the police to advise the public that their thresholds are changing and this is shown by the Met changing their threshold over 3 years ago in May 2019.
Need help with a speeding fine?
If you have been caught by a speed camera following this change in the speeding threshold and require legal advice, our team of expert road traffic offences solicitors are on hand to assist.
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