The Department for Transport has increased fixed penalties for motoring offences from 16 August, 2013. The increases were introduced following a public consultation in 2012 and included road safety groups and police services.

As well as affecting motoring offences, these changes also increase graduated fixed penalties and financial deposits for vans, trucks and buses. Offences against roadworthiness, loading and drivers’ hours rules will result in higher penalties at the roadside.

• a £30 fine will rise to £50
• a £60 fine will rise to £100
• a £120 fine will rise to £200
• a £200 fine will rise to £300

VOSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said, “These new penalty levels are intended to ensure penalties reflect the seriousness of the offence and are consistent with those in other areas of offending. I know the majority of operators and drivers work within the law, but those that don’t need to know there are increased financial consequences and they should reconsider if it’s worth the risk.”

Increases will also be made to the maximum deposit taken at the roadside from offending overseas vehicles. Penalty points will not change.