Shropshire police chief wants drivers fined for going 1mph over speed limit
Drivers could be fined for going just 1mph over the speed limit, under plans favoured by West Mercia's Chief Constable.
The 'buffer zone' policy, which protects drivers who are caught marginally over the limit, is to be reviewed and could result in tough new measures brought in on the roads.
Anthony Bangham, the head of national roads policing and Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, which covers Shropshire and Worcestershire, said forces needed to 'change our messaging and ensure greater consistency of approach when dealing with those who exceed the speed limit' in a new report.
But it is thought Mr Bangham could face opposition from other Chief Constables over fears the measures would be difficult to enforce and risk accusations from the public that they are being treated as cash cows.
Speed cameras have been switched off in many areas for the last five years, but some councils have said they are considering bringing them back.
Drivers who go slightly over the speed limit - up to 10 per cent plus 2mph - are not generally prosecuted, under the 'buffer zone' policy. This means that, in theory, a motorist could go up to 34mph in a built-up area, and as fast as 78mph on a motorway.
Mr Bangham argued the policy which effectively allows drivers to be let off could encourage speeding and potentially put lives in danger.
He said: 'The existing speed enforcement guidance (in particular the now publicly stated 10 per cent + two 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 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."
