Tough new penalties for drivers caught speeding 25kmh-35kmh over the limit

LEADFOOT Victorian drivers face being taken off the road for longer, with increased penalties for speeding offences coming into effect today.

LEADFOOT motorists face being taken off the road for longer, with tough new penalties for top-end speeding offences coming into effect today.

Drivers caught speeding between 25kmh and 35kmh over the limit will now have their licence immediately suspended for three months.

The offence previously ­attracted a one-month ban.

A three-month suspension now also applies to anyone who exceeds the speed limit by 20-25kmh in a 110kmh zone.

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Speeding motorists could face a three-month suspension of their licence.

VicRoads director of road access and user vehicle access, Roger Chao, said research had shown licence suspensions were crucial to stopping high-range speeding.

“The study examined how speeding drivers responded to various penalties including licence suspensions, demerit points, good behaviour bonds and vehicle impoundments,” he said.

“There was strong evidence that licence suspension for higher-level speeding offences lower the likelihood of repeat offences and these drivers being involved in a casualty crash.”

A new maximum penalty of $38,000, or two years’ jail, will also apply for driving while disqualified regardless of whether it is a first offence.

Police want to stop speeding motorists putting lives at risk.

Superintendent John Fitzpatrick, head of road policing operations, said Victorians saw people driving poorly every day.

“Those who speed and break the law are making deliberate choices to place themselves and others’ lives at risk,” he said.

“It’s not rocket-science — everyone knows that speed kills, so please don’t do it.

“Everyone on our roads should look up and look out for each other. If you don’t, Victoria Police will enforce the law and you may lose your licence.

“We want drivers to change their behaviour, before we have to enforce the law.”

TAC lead director of road safety Samantha Cockfield said speed was one of the biggest factors behind fatal crashes, playing a part in about a third of Victorian road deaths.

“The fact that speed continues to play a part in about one third of Victorian deaths and injuries shows there is still work to be done to get motorists to slow down,” she said.

“Tougher penalties, alongside enforcement and education, is proven to be the best approach to tackling speeding on Victorian roads.”