New procedures being brought in by most police forces in England and Wales could lead to speeding drivers escaping having penalty points put onto their licence.

New rules state that where a driver is speeding at 10% above the speed limit, plus an additional 9mph, then they can pay for a speed awareness course as opposed to a fine or penalty points. This will mean drivers going at up to 86mph may be allowed to go onto the course. It reflects a change in the rules as the course was previously only open to those speeding at 10% above the speed limit plus 6mph.

The courses are now being offered by 37 police forces throughout England and Wales and, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers, research shows that they are effective in improving driver behaviour, in contrast to fines and penalty points.

However, the move has been criticised by road safety charity Brake. A spokesman said: "These guidelines seem to suggest that it is permissible to significantly break the speed limit just as long as you pay the Government in return. Road safety is far too important and affects too many people's lives to be made into a simple money making scheme."

http://www.rac.co.uk/news-advice/motoring-news/post/2011/4/speeders-on-course-to-dodge-points/