Motorists can 'request change' as drivers risk hefty fine and points on licence

Motorists can 'request change' as drivers risk hefty fine and points on licence The Government has warned drivers to be extra careful, especially if you've passed your test within the last 2 years Drivers across the UK can request changes to road conditions, including speed limits. GOV.UK provides a page called “Request a speed limit change,” which applies to England and Wales only. It notes: "Your council is responsible for setting local speed limits." All you need to do is enter your postcode here and follow any guidance and instructions. There could be legitimate reasons to lower the speed limit. Speed is a primary factor in UK road crashes, contributing to roughly a third of all fatal collisions, the UK Gov site reports. Speed limits and travelling too fast for the conditions are routinely recorded by police as major precipitating factors, as higher velocities drastically increase stopping distances and the severity of impact forces. For example, Surrey County Council notes that reducing vehicle speeds can help to: - Reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions - Encourage more walking and cycling - Sustain local shops and businesses - Make communities more pleasant places to live It cautions: "The desire for lower speeds has to be balanced against the need for reasonable journey times and the position of the road within the county council's Strategic Priority Network. "We aim to set speed limits that take the above factors into account and allow vehicles to travel at an appropriate speed for the main use of the road." Submitting a request does not guarantee changes to the road, but it can alert decision-makers to potential hazards or issues reported by drivers. Discussing speed limits, GOV.UK stress: "You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions." What are the speeding penalties in the UK? GOV.UK states that the minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your driving licence. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years can result in a driving disqualification. For new drivers, this rule is stricter. It warns: "If you’re still within 2 years of passing your driving test, your driving licence will be revoked (withdrawn) if you build up 6 or more penalty points." You can check your driving licence record to see if you have points on your licence.