Drivers who fail to identify who was behind the wheel when a speeding offence is committed face a heavier penalty under new law changes that came into force on 24th September. The clampdown includes higher maximum fines for careless driving and refusing to stop when flagged down by police. One of the most significant changes will affect anyone who fails to provide information on the identity of a driver, which now carries six rather than three penalty points.

The new punishment is targeted at motorists who attempt to evade penalties for offences detected by speed cameras, by claiming they did not know who was driving at the time. In 2004, 2,319 people were found guilty of failing to disclose a driver's identity and received three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

The government introduced the law changes after consulting judges, police and road safety campaigners, amid growing public concern about the devastating impact on victims of bad driving.

Other measures introduced under the Road Safety Act 2006 include a doubling of the maximum fine for careless driving to £5,000, with all seat belt-wearing offences subject to a maximum £500 fine.

For further details on the road safety act please visit: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/20060049.htm