The bills proposals include:
· Introduction of variable fixed penalties for speeding – changing the range of penalty points from 3-6 to 2-6.
· Banning the carriage or use of safety camera detectors and jammers.

A recent Government-funded study carried out by Liverpool University researchers found that speed cameras have had little or no effect on the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads*. Research team leader, Dr Linda Mountain has said "it was a surprise that we couldn't detect a significant change in fatal and serious accidents at camera sites."

Further research has shown that over 90% of motorists already face at least one driving ban in their lifetime and a quarter of drivers likely to get enough points to be banned every seven years**. Against this backdrop, some of the Road Safety Bill proposals can only make life more difficult for motorists. Even with the reduced number of points many of these drivers will face losing their licence for unintentionally creeping over the speed limit.

Speeding remains a serious and emotive issue that calls for effective action. ChauffeurPlan, a low-cost insurance policy offered is designed to keep motorists on the road when the unexpected happens.  The policy is designed to protect you if you lose your licence through speeding or under the totting up rule, if you suffer any kind of injury – sporting or otherwise – and also if your car is stolen, vandalised or involved in an accident.
At ChauffeurPlan we don't condone speeding. Our ChauffeurPlan insurance policy is designed to help drivers who rely on their car to get around and might inadvertently creep over the limit.

The governments commitment to introducing flexible speed penalties whilst banning speed camera detectors and jammers will mean that it remains relatively easy for sensible drivers, with years of experience to pick up points on their licence. If they then lost the use of their car through a driving ban the impact on their work and social life could be devastating.

David Cleal, Director of a commercial vehicles bodybuilding company, knows only too well how costly losing his licence could have been. He faced major concerns about how he might continue with his job having received a 6-month ban under the totting up rule. Mr Cleal explained, “I had already been caught speeding before, once by a camera and once by an unmarked police car, which led to endorsements of 3 and 6 points respectively. When I was flashed by a camera and caught for a third time, the points took me over the limit and ultimately off the road". Luckily for Mr Cleal, he had taken out a Longford Insurance Schemes' ChauffeurPlan policy, paying £295.00 for a 4 star policy.

“I originally took out the policy as I had 3 points on my licence and speed cameras were coming into force. These days if you're not thinking, you can lose your licence in one journey!"

ChauffeurPlan paid £300 a week for Mr Cleal to employ a driver and get taxis for the six -month period of his disqualification. He went on to say, “I love my car, and spend a lot of time in it. If you spend as much time in yours and travel as far as I do, ChauffeurPlan is a must!"