Ministers are set to introduce a flexible penalty points system in order to reduce public hostility to "disproportionate" punishment for speeding.

The new plan will mean drivers who break speed limits by a small margin will receive two penalty points, while those who speed excessively can expect a more severe sanction of up to six points.

Drivers currently receive three penalty points regardless of the gravity of their offence.

Motorists who accumulate 12 points or who commit four speeding offences within three years incur an automatic ban.

In 2002 some 30,000 drivers lost their licences.

Ministers are concerned that employees may be at risk of losing their livelihoods as a consequence of a succession of relatively minor offences.

The policy is likely to be detailed in a consultation to be announced by ministers shortly.

Speed cameras

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is keen to prove to the public that safety and not revenue generation is the reason for the erection of increasing numbers of speed cameras.

But opinion polls have revealed growing resentment among the public at the growing number of cameras.

Ministers are also having to fight against evidence that excessive speed may be a factor in less than 10 per cent of accidents.

"The best camera is one that doesn't issue a single ticket as it means people are driving safely within the speed limit," said Darling.

"We must reduce speeding but the public must have confidence that the punishment fits the crime."

Conservative policy?

The government's proposals - which had been floated by the Tories - were welcomed by shadow transport secretary Theresa May.

Speaking on Sunday she said: "This is not the first time that the government has decided to adopt Conservative suggestions on road safety.

"In the past few weeks, they have already adopted our proposals on increasing speed limits on motorways, introducing driver education courses, and reducing speed limits outside schools, and now they are accepting our proposal for variable points.

"Not only are they beginning to adopt our policies, they’re now adopting our language too."

Drivers groups also welcomed the government's announcement - but called for further action to protect drivers from punitive fines.

Tony Vickers, a spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said: "It is good news that the government has recognised that the sledgehammer weapons of mass prosecution approach by speed cameras is causing a great deal of injustice and resentment."