New driving law proposal could see millions hit with one penalty point

A new motoring rule could see millions of road users caught up in major changes to driving licence penalty points. A new Parliament petition is calling for drivers breaking 20mph speed limits to be slapped with a single point against their name.

Under current rules, motorists are hit with three points if they are caught speeding regardless of the road they were travelling on. It means those caught travelling at just over 20mph are hit with the same punishment as those caught at over 90mph on a motorway. Campaigners are hoping to address the problem with a new petition branding the system "disproportionate".

The petition reads: “We feel that the current penalty of 3 points for speeding in 20mph areas is disproportionate.

“We think the current penalty treats these drivers the same as other drivers who speed at much higher limits.

"In areas like London, drivers can be penalised for doing 24mph in 20mph areas, which we feel is heavily punishing.

“We feel it's easy to collect multiple three points penalties if drivers are making many journeys. We would like the penalties reviewed. Penalties can impact drivers insurance costs and can affect their ability to work.”

The poll was created by Davide Rinaldi and will remain open until the middle of November for road users to have their say.

The current petition has just over 2,000 signatures with 50,000 required for the motion to receive an official response from the Government.

Meanwhile, a whopping 100,000 signatures are required for the idea to be considered for debate by politicians in Parliament.

Millions could be affected by the new rule with previous data showing that just over half of road users kept below 20mph in Wales.

An analysis of 3.5 million vehicles showed that on average 57.8% stayed below 24mph, suggesting more than 40% broke the rules.

According to GOV.UK, individuals caught speeding will be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three points on their driving licence.

Road users accrue points over time with road users likely to be disqualified if they build up 12 or more points within three years.

Newly qualified road users have a much lower threshold meaning one or two mishaps could see drivers have their licence revoked.

Road users still within two years of passing their test will have a licence withdrawn if they pick up six or more points.

However, driving licence points don't remain against a motorist forever with most endorsements wiped after four years.