New driving law proposals would see motorists avoid any fines if they are caught speeding between 20mph and 30mph.
Former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse introduced his Road Traffic and Street Works Bill to the Commons, saying that drivers should instead be required to attend a speed awareness course.
Anyone who is found to be consistently breaking the speed limit between 20mph and 30mph will be made to do the course again.
Malthouse, who represents North West Hampshire in Parliament, said points would still apply to people who do not attend their course.
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The MP making the call admitted that he had been caught speeding on a 20mph road
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The former justice minister said the new measures would offer a “more proportionate approach” to 20mph zones, adding that it will help make roads safer.
Drivers who are caught going over the speed limit are currently hit with a £100 fine and either penalty points or the chance to take part in a course.
Speaking in the Commons, Kit 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.
“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.
“You can receive three penalty points for doing 24mph in a 20mph zone and for doing 57mph in a 50mph zone – seems unfair to many and is in danger of discrediting the system.”
Malthouse admitted that he had been required to take place in a speed awareness course after being caught doing 24mph in a 20mph zone.
He acknowledged that drivers will not only be hit with fines and points but also see their car insurance prices rise dramatically if caught speeding.
The former Secretary of State for Education also lamented how drivers who are caught driving at 24mph four times in three years would lose their licence.
He continued, saying: “If our objective is to improve road safety, particularly on residential roads, then it would be more effective to put people through repeated courses, perhaps with increasing intensity and time required.
“This would be a more proportionate approach and achieve better road safety. Points would still apply for those who fail to attend courses or indeed who fail their courses.”
The MP also said drivers who are caught entering a bus lane or other moving traffic offences would receive a warning letter instead of an instant fine.
Kit Malthouse requested for the Bill to receive a second reading on April 19, although, according to PA, it is unlikely to progress unless it receives Government support.
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The Bill would also change rules around moving traffic offences
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Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “All our research suggests that the vast majority of drivers benefit from speed awareness courses and would recommend them to others.
“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.”
