Following the speed limit is something that should be done by drivers everywhere they go, but motorists are allowed to go over slightly under current guidelines.
The current buffer zone – which police officers use at their own discretion – allows speeds under a ‘10 per cent plus two’ parameter, meaning that if you’re going through a 30mph you can go up to 35mph, and if you’re in a 40mph zone you can go 46mph, and so on. If that is breached, then you will be prosecuted.
In many circumstances, if a driver is just over that buffer then they’ll be sent on a driver awareness course, but repeat offenders will be given a £100 fine and three points on their license.
However, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham of West Mercia Police and the National Police Chief Council’s lead on road policing, has said that the buffer should be removed altogether as he claims drivers are given the idea that it’s “okay to speed.”
Bangham has suggested that drivers should be prosecuted by going over the speed limit by any amount and in a review seen by the Mail on Sunday, Bangham said:
We need to change our messaging and ensure greater consistency of approach when dealing with those who exceed the speed limit.
Bangham also said in further statements from the review that:
The existing speed enforcement guidance (in particular the now publicly stated 10 per cent + 2 allowance) could in fact be encouraging driving at these more dangerous higher speeds rather than the actual speed limits.
If properly understood and applied, the guidance may provide police forces with the necessary flexibility but over time its rigid application and understanding are often misunderstood, with an expectation that the 'norm' is 'it is OK to speed'.
There is no confirmation that the buffer zones will be expunged, but it is believed that other police chiefs agreed that a review of the system should take place.
However, according to the Mail on Sunday, Bangham will receive opposition from other leaders in the police forces, as they fear enforcing these new rules couldn’t be done properly due to fewer resources and it would risk the loss of public support.
Whether this comes into force or not is up for debate, but if it does then you’ll have to be keeping a much closer eye on your speedometer.
