The transport secretary has published plans to reform the system of penalties for motoring offences.

Alistair Darling unveiled a consultation document on Wednesday suggesting the creation of three new categories of speeding fine.

In response to scepticism from drivers over speed cameras, ministers want to reduce punishments for more minor offences whilst increasing penalties for the worst offenders.

Currently all speeding offences incur a £60 fine and three penalty points, with a total of 12 points leading to a driving ban.

Critics believe the system fails to distinguish between accidentally slipping over the speed limit and extreme, dangerous driving.

Under the new regime a "lower" level of speeding would mean two points and a £40 fine, "medium" offences would get the current three points and £60 while a "higher" crime would see six points added to the driver's licence and a £100 fine.

Darling said this tougher penalty, allied with new "speed awareness courses", would prevent the move being interpreted as a relaxation of the rules.

"We are seeking views on a new graduated system of penalties for speeding designed to be more effective and appropriate than the current 'one-size fits all' approach," he said.

"We want to ensure that the level of the penalty fits the severity of the offence - including a crackdown on the most dangerous offences.

"The police would continue to enforce speed limits rigorously and motorists will always need to be aware that speeding is highly dangerous and if they are caught they will face a fine, points on their licences and disqualification if they persist.

"We also welcome the police initiative to roll out speed awareness courses for first-time 'low-end' offenders, for whom this looks to be the most effective way to change their behaviour.

"I hope these courses, and continued enforcement, will encourage the minority of drivers who speed to slow down - for the sake of their and other road users' safety."

However Robert Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said the message was not clear.

"On the one hand it says 'speed kills'... but on the other that it's okay to speed a bit," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.