The Government is to abandon a plan to reduce the penalty for drivers breaking the speed limit in residential areas by only a few miles per hour.

Ministers had proposed cutting penalty points from three and two and the fine from £60 to £40 for motorists caught doing up to 39mph in 30mph zone.

But the Department for Transport (DfT) has now admitted that the proposal contradicts the message from its latest road safety adverts.

The £2m campaign shows the consequences of hitting an eight-year-old girl at 30mph and 40mph . Independent research found that at 30mph she has an 80% chance of surviving while being hit at 40mph gives her an 80% chance of dying.

Minister are still planning to introduce lower penalties on roads with higher limits. On a 40mph road the penalty would be two points for speeds up to 50mph. Graduated penalties, proposed by the Road Safety Bill would also introduce higher fines for drivers breaking the limit by a wider margin. Those doing 57mph or more in a 40mph limit would receive six points and a £100 fine.

(Source: The Times)