Motorists face being fined £100 for driving just 1mph above the speed limit under new toughened rules to clamp down on dangerous driving, it was reported.

Police chiefs are reviewing the current "buffer zone" which currently shields drivers from punishment if they travel too fast.

The zone is calculated by increasing the speed limit by 10 per cent plus 2 mph, before they face punishment.

This means in a 30mph speed zone, motorists can drive at 35mph without risk of being penalised.

Anyone caught travelling margainally above the buffer zone are allowed to take a speed awareness course, while repeat offenders face a £100 fine and three penalty points.

But according to The Mail on Sunday, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, the national roads policing chief, is in favour of adopting a new zero-tolerance approach towards speeding motorists.