Motorists who commit serious speeding offences in England and Wales will face heavier penalties from today.

A driver caught speeding at 51mph+ in a 30mph zone, or 101mph+ on a motorway will be fined 150% off their weekly income, up from 100%.

The Sentencing Council said the change looks to ensure there is a "clear increase in fine level as the seriousness of offending increases".

There were 244 fatalities on UK roads in 2015 that were related to a speeding driver.

A Spokesperson for startrescue.co.uk stated: "There is never an excuse for excessive speeding. The increased fine limit sends out the right message to those who might be tempted to speed.

"There is no doubt that responsible drivers will see the change as a positive step towards making our roads safer.

"The majority of motorists do drive in a sensible manner and with an understanding of driving to the conditions. Dangerous drivers, however, will justifiably find themselves in court.

"The increase demonstrates that our courts take such offences seriously and that can only be welcomed."

Despite the changes, speeding motorists cannot be fined more than £1,000 on all roads except motorways, for which the maximum is £2,500.

Some have pointed out that the decision not to increase these upper limits means that high income earners will not be further discouraged from speeding.

Others have suggested that increasing demands on the police coupled with cutbacks will mean penalties will be hard to enforce.

A survey from 2012 suggested most drivers had broken the speed limit at some point. 81% of 30-39 year olds admitted to breaking limits – more than both 18-24 year olds and over-70s, of which 72% admitted to breaking speed codes.