London's Metropolitan Police reduces speed leniency under new formula without prior announcement. See what is it

In a so-called stealth move by the Metropolitan Police in London, the rules around breaking the speed limit have been altered without any prior announcement. Under the previously stipulated formula, the drivers were given some margin when driving beyond the limit. Thousands of drivers will now face fines due to this silent move.

What is the new formula of the Met Police which has led to this chaos?

Under the new formula, the Metropolitan Police have reduced the speed leniency by one mph, resulting in a staggering 259 percent of the fines drivers will face for exceeding the speed limit. The guidelines said that drivers would not face any action unless they breached the speed threshold by 10 percent plus three mph, which has now dropped to 10 percent plus two mph.

Under the previous rules, a driver was allowed to drive at 25mph in a 20mph zone without facing any penalties or being sent to a speed awareness course. The new formula now reduces the 25 mph threshold to 24 mph, which has resulted in thousands of fines.

How many drivers have been notified about the punishment?

The stealth move of the Met Police has notified about 347,000 motorists across London that they will be penalized for over speeding in the first six months of this year. The 2.5 time penalty increase is more than the second half of the previous year's 97,000.
The Met Police never announced this change. On asking about the change, they said that stipulated speed limits are the max speed limits at any given time, irrespective of the threshold or margin of leniency one is given, before police take any action.

FAQs

1. How does this new silent change in the rules around breaking the speed limit affect taxi drivers?
   According to the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, Steve McNamara, the new changes will significantly impact taxi drivers as they are the ones, who are caught frequently.
2. Is the new formula applicable only in London?
   The latest move is only applicable where the Met Police have control and a few other forces, including the Lancashire Police. However, other constabularies are still using the same three mph plus formula.