Speeding drivers could soon avoid a fine even if police catch them breaking the limit
Police Scotland want to introduce a law that will allow them to issue a written warning for speedsters caught in slower restricted zones
SPEEDING drivers could be issued a warning instead of a fine under new proposals.
The possible law change could see motorists in Scotland break the speed limit in 20mph and 30mph zones without being hit in the pocket.
Police Scotland proposed the ideas in a bid to stop speeders from re-offending.
Those drivers caught over the speed limit in the slower zones would be issued with a written warning, and wouldn't be fined as long as they weren't caught speeding again within the next three months.
Anyone who did break the speed limit again within that period would receive penalty points and a fine.
The proposed system could be put in place in Scotland by the end of the year and, if it proves successful, could be rolled out across the rest of the UK.
But drivers caught by speed cameras would still be slapped with a fine as the warning can only be issued by an actual officer.
According to figures for the number of speeding tickets issued in Scotland, as many as 18,000 motorists could be eligible for a warning if the ruling comes into place.
Police Scotland is also allegedly looking to implement speed awareness courses for drivers that exceed the limit by a significant amount.
Similar courses are currently available in England but Scotland is yet to introduce them as part of the penalty process.
The road laws you need to know
Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of road policing for Police Scotland, told The Scottish Mail: “If you have an opportunity to say, ‘speeding is one of four fatal factors and we’re not going to prosecute on this occasion, we’re not going to give you a fine, will you accept this warning?’, I think most people will say, ‘yes, absolutely’.
"This will benefit the prosecution authorities, so they can focus on the most serious cases.”
Earlier this year, we revealed how speeding drivers who break the limit by just 1mph can't be fined by police.