Change speed law for minor speeding in 20 mph zones
The Issue
As a cab driver and someone who depends on my vehicle for daily income, I have personally experienced the unfairness of receiving penalty points on my driver's license for slightly exceeding a speed limit by a few miles per hour. This situation is not only stressful but can also put our livelihoods at risk. Many professional drivers, like cab drivers, truck drivers, and daily commuters share this concern.
The current law in the UK penalizes drivers who travel between 21 and 25 mph in a 20 mph zone with points on their licenses. While I fully support measures that deter excessive speeding, penalizing drivers for such minimal infractions seems inequitable, especially when it can result in significant consequences for those who rely on driving for their professions.
Let's consider some statistics: a study conducted by the RAC Foundation shows that the average speed on many urban roads is often slightly above 20 mph. This indicates that many drivers unintentionally breach these limits. Moreover, for professional drivers who log hundreds of miles weekly, these few miles over can accumulate penalty points, threatening their job security and creating undue financial burdens.
The intent of speed limits is to ensure road safety. Yet, penalizing minor infringements in 20 mph zones does not align with this objective and instead creates an adversarial atmosphere between law enforcement and motorists. Enforcement should prioritize education and awareness over strict penalties for negligible speed differences.
We propose a change in the law that provides more reasonable guidelines for minor speed violations, specifically in 20 mph zones. Implementing a buffer that allows for speeds between 21 to 25 mph without penalty points would create a fairer and more realistic approach. This policy adjustment would still ensure that serious speeding is addressed but would alleviate unnecessary penalties for minor infringements.
By supporting this petition, you are advocating for a balanced approach to road safety—one that protects the livelihood of professional drivers without compromising the principle of safe driving. Join me in calling for a rational change that acknowledges the realities of daily driving while maintaining safe roads for everyone.
Please sign this petition to urge policymakers to revise the penalties for minor speed violations in 20 mph zones. Your support is crucial in creating a fair, just, and safer driving environment for all.
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The Issue
As a cab driver and someone who depends on my vehicle for daily income, I have personally experienced the unfairness of receiving penalty points on my driver's license for slightly exceeding a speed limit by a few miles per hour. This situation is not only stressful but can also put our livelihoods at risk. Many professional drivers, like cab drivers, truck drivers, and daily commuters share this concern.
The current law in the UK penalizes drivers who travel between 21 and 25 mph in a 20 mph zone with points on their licenses. While I fully support measures that deter excessive speeding, penalizing drivers for such minimal infractions seems inequitable, especially when it can result in significant consequences for those who rely on driving for their professions.
Let's consider some statistics: a study conducted by the RAC Foundation shows that the average speed on many urban roads is often slightly above 20 mph. This indicates that many drivers unintentionally breach these limits. Moreover, for professional drivers who log hundreds of miles weekly, these few miles over can accumulate penalty points, threatening their job security and creating undue financial burdens.
The intent of speed limits is to ensure road safety. Yet, penalizing minor infringements in 20 mph zones does not align with this objective and instead creates an adversarial atmosphere between law enforcement and motorists. Enforcement should prioritize education and awareness over strict penalties for negligible speed differences.
We propose a change in the law that provides more reasonable guidelines for minor speed violations, specifically in 20 mph zones. Implementing a buffer that allows for speeds between 21 to 25 mph without penalty points would create a fairer and more realistic approach. This policy adjustment would still ensure that serious speeding is addressed but would alleviate unnecessary penalties for minor infringements.
By supporting this petition, you are advocating for a balanced approach to road safety—one that protects the livelihood of professional drivers without compromising the principle of safe driving. Join me in calling for a rational change that acknowledges the realities of daily driving while maintaining safe roads for everyone.
Please sign this petition to urge policymakers to revise the penalties for minor speed violations in 20 mph zones. Your support is crucial in creating a fair, just, and safer driving environment for all.
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Petition created on 21 September 2026