A FLEXIBLE new system of speeding penalties last night received a cautious welcome from motoring organisations.
Points meted out to speeding motorists will depend on how fast they were driving under Transport Secretary Alistair Darling's plans.
Those marginally over the limit will receive two points on their licence while the most serious offenders will get six.
The move comes in response to mounting anger from motorists over increasing use of speed cameras.
The number of motorists caught speeding on camera in 2002 was up 40% to 1.5 million compared to the previous year, Home Office figures showed.
Drivers currently caught breaking the speed limit automatically receive three points regardless of their actual speed.
An automatic ban is given to anyone racking up 12 points, or four offences, within three years.
Motorists caught speeding way over the limit can face up to six penalty points or disqualification if they are convicted by a court.
A consultation on the changes will be launched next month alongside independent research commissioned by Mr Darling into the impact of speed cameras.
Critics argue they have become more a way of raising cash for the Treasury than making roads safer.
However, that was rejected by Mr Darling, who said yesterday: "I'm quite clear that two things are necessary if we are to retain public support. "People have to be satisfied that these speed cameras are in the right places and operated fairly.
"The best camera we have is one that does not collect a single penny in fines because it is encouraging people to slow down. The second thing that is necessary is to make sure the punishment fits the crime."
Tony Vickers, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said: "It's good news that the government has recognised that the sledgehammer weapons of mass prosecution approach by speed cameras is causing a great deal of injustice and resentment."
But he said proposals such as two penalty points for driving just over the limit and six points for well in excess were "too simplistic".
RAC spokeswoman Rebecca Bell agreed many motorists would welcome the proposals but urged that the circumstances of speeding offences should be taken into consideration.
"Who's to say that travelling 10mph above the speed limit on a dual carriageway late at night is a more serious and dangerous offence than going 5mph above the speed limit outside a school?"
