Drivers responsible for the most serious speeding offences are set to face harsher penalties under new sentencing guidelines for magistrates.

Fines for motorists caught going well above the speed limit will start from 150% of their weekly income rather than the existing level of 100%.

It means, for example, someone who is sentenced for driving at 101mph or faster in a 70mph zone will now be dealt with in a more severe bracket.

The Sentencing Council said the move aims to ensure there is a "clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases".

It follows responses to a consultation arguing previous guidelines did not properly take into account the increase in potential harm that can result as speed above the limit rises.

Speeding is one of a number of areas covered in new sentencing guidelines for magistrates' courts in England and Wales being published on Tuesday.

The Sentencing Council said the new guidelines are not intended to result in significant differences to current sentencing practice but will bring changes to sentencing for some specific offences.

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The guidelines will be used to sentence adult offenders in all magistrates' courts in England and Wales from April 24.