Reduced speeding fines proposed

Drivers could receive reduced fines for just edging over the speed limit under new Government proposals.

Penalties could range between £40 and two penalty points for less serious offences and up to £100 and six points for more serious offences.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is to announce a consultation on the fairer fines proposals.

The consultation includes police plans to hold "speed awareness courses" nationwide for people such as first-time offenders in the lower speeding category.

The lower penalty is not expected to apply to people speeding in 20mph speed limits, usually found outside schools and hospitals.

Speaking on GMTV, Mr Darling said: "In the case of very serious offences, the authorities can still prosecute you in full.

"There is no question of being soft on speeding. Speeding does kill, but this is just a fairer system."