Speeding fines at highest level in four years

The number of people fined by the courts for speeding offences in England and Wales has risen to its highest level since 2009.

Ministry of Justice figures show that a total of 115,549 motorists were fined at least £100 pounds by magistrates after being caught speeding.

Just under 6,000 motorists in Greater Manchester were fined, the third highest of 42 police force areas, behind only the Metropolitan police area and South Wales police area.

The total number of motorists caught speeding is believed to be far higher, as the figures only take into account those summoned to court for failure to pay fines and where speed was particularly excessive.

The increase has been put down to digital cameras that no longer require film and can operate 24 hours a day.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: "Speeding can have devastating consequences and it's right that drivers should abide by the speed limit.

"These fines were issued at the discretion of the magistrates and show the number of fines issued is in decline across many police force areas."

Earlier this year it was announced the maximum fines imposed by magistrates for motorway speeding would rise from £2,500 to £10,000.