Sheffield motorists' anger over idea to penalise for 1mph over speed limit

An idea to penalise motorists who break the speed limit by just 1mph could lead to more accidents as drivers will be constantly checking their speedometers.

That's the damning verdict of Sheffield Star readers after comments by a top cop sparked a huge debate on the paper's Facebook page.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham is said to have called for an end to the "buffer" over the limit, which suggests police forces should only issue penalties for drivers caught at 10 per cent plus 2mph over the limit - such as 35mph in a 30mph zone.

National news: Should drivers be penalised for going 1mph over the speed limit?

Mr Bangham, the National Police Chiefs Council lead on road policing, reportedly said the days of the 'soft' treatment of offenders must come to an end.

Dozens of Star readers expressed their concern over the idea.

Beverley Dwyer said: "It is easy to go over and the more your checking your speedometer the more your eyes are off the road which probably would mean more accidents."

Leanne Hawley added: "Even black boxes allow a little leeway for human error. Think about all the new drivers.