DRIVERS caught speeding between 20mph and 30mph would not be slapped with penalty points under a new proposed law.
Former Cabinet minister Kit Malthouse said motorists should instead be forced to attend a speed awareness course, with repeat offenders made to do the course again.
New proposals to let drivers avoid points are being put forward
He slammed the 20mph speed limits across the country, insisting they have left “thousands of drivers disproportionately punished” for speeding a bit over the limit.
For minor speeding offences, people are usually handed a fine and given three penalty points on their licence.
Introducing his Road Traffic and Street Works Bill to the Commons, Mr Malthouse said: “I propose that anybody caught speeding between 20mph and 30mph does not receive penalty points, rather they would be required to attend a speed awareness course and repeat offences would require repeat attendance at speed awareness courses.”
He added: “The rollout of 20mph speed limits across the country has brought benefits in terms of road safety, but it has left many thousands of drivers disproportionately punished for straying over the limit.”
He argued speed awareness courses are “significantly more effective” in preventing reoffending compared with penalty points and a fine.
The Bill is unlikely to make progress in its current form unless the Government backs it.
Sources close to Mr Malthouse said he was confident the Government would back his Bill.
AA president Edmund King threw his weight behind the proposal, saying: “Getting drivers to slow down is vital but in the move to reduce casualties it is more effective to educate rather than prosecute.
“It would be a pragmatic step to offer courses to those who contravene 20mph limits.”