Police to toughen punishment for speeders

SEOUL, June 20 (Yonhap) -- Police said Monday they will impose stricter punishments for speeders starting at the end of this year in an attempt to curb traffic accidents.
The National Police Agency (NPA) said it will submit revised traffic rules in which people who drive more than 60 kilometers per hour faster than the speed limit will receive 60 penalty points and immediately have their licenses suspended.
Currently, those who drive more than 40 kilometers per hour faster than the speed limit get 30 penalty points and fines ranging from 90,000 won to 100,000 won (US$83-93).
The NPA said it will also increase fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit by 60 kilometers per hour. Van drivers will face 130,000 won in fines, and passenger car drivers will have to pay 120,000 won, it said.
In school zones, people who drive that speed will face heavier punishment -- 120 penalty points and fines ranging from 150,000 won to 160,000 won depending on the types of vehicles, the agency said.
Police said they want to have the revised rules implemented from early December.
Parliamentary consent is not necessary to revise the traffic rules.
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