A new petition is calling on the UK government to amend speeding penalties for 20mph zones, proposing that drivers caught traveling up to 25mph should receive only one penalty point instead of the current three. Currently, motorists exceeding the limit by up to 4mph in a 20mph area are penalized with three points on their license.
Petition Details
The petition argues that the existing penalty is disproportionate, treating such drivers the same as those who speed at excessively dangerous levels. It states: "This action is disproportionate. The current penalty treats these drivers the same as other drivers who speed at excessively dangerous limits."
As of now, the petition has garnered 68 signatures and remains open on the Labour Party government website. It was launched on Thursday, 8 January 2026, with a deadline for signatures set for Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
Current Penalty System
Under current rules, drivers caught speeding in a 20mph zone at speeds up to 24mph receive three penalty points. The petition seeks to reduce this to one point for speeds up to 25mph. Endorsements and penalty points are recorded on a driver's license and can remain for four or 11 years, depending on the severity of the offense. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years can lead to disqualification, with separate rules applying to new drivers.
Each endorsement carries a specific code and penalty points ranging from one to 11, with more serious offenses incurring higher points. The Department for Transport mandates that offense codes and penalty points remain on driving records for four or 11 years based on the offense.
Political Context
The petition lists the top 10 constituencies supporting the change, including Labour MPs Chris Bryant (Rhondda and Ogmore), Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North), Chris Evans (Caerphilly), Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower), Peter Lamb (Crawley), Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster), Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Highgate), Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare), and Chris Elmore (Bridgend), as well as Conservative MP David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner).
If the petition gains enough support, it could prompt a parliamentary debate or government review of speeding penalties in 20mph zones.
