Tough new speeding fines come into effect in England and Wales today

Drivers who are caught breaking the limit at excessive speeds will face harsher penalties in England Wales from today.

New guidelines stipulate that drivers caught doing 51 mph in a 30 mph zone or 101 mph on a motorway can be fined 150% of their weekly income, an increase from 100%. The fine can even be increased to 175% in some cases. A cap of £1,000 - increasing to £2,500 if the offence takes place on a motorway - that was previously in place will remain, as will the minimum fine of £100 and three points.  The Sentencing Council said that the previous guidelines did not take into account the increase in potential harm and damage that happens as speeds increase. Motoring groups have generally welcomed the increase in severity of penalties. AA President Edmund King said of the fines: "Responsible drivers will welcome the changes coming into force today. "The majority of drivers who keep to the correct speed, as well as driving to the conditions, won't be affected. It is only those who deliberately drive dangerously who will end up in court." Though these are guidelines, magistrates are expected to follow them unless there are exceptional circumstances. Punishments can be lowered if the offender has no previous convictions or no relevant/recent convictions, has shown good character, or if a genuine emergency is established.