The Government has announced an increase in speeding fines. The Sentencing Council has decided that speeding fines for the most serious offences in England and Wales should rise by up to 50 per cent.

Previously, offenders could be fined up to 100% of their weekly income up to a maximum of £1000, or £2500 for motorway infringements. But that is now to rise to 150%. Road safety and breakdown recovery provider GEM Motoring Assist has welcomed the announcement.

"Illegal or inappropriate speeds remain a significant road safety problem," said GEM road safety officer Neil Worth. "If more people complied with speed limits, there would be fewer deaths and injuries on our roads; it's as simple as that. We therefore welcome the increase in fines, as we know the enforcement of speed limits plays a vital role in road safety."