Speeding drivers could be fined £10,000

Magistrates would be able to issue fines up to four times larger than they can at present, with maximum penalties for other offences such as drink-driving and driving with defective tyres or brakes also increasing to £10,000.

Motorists who use their mobile phones while driving or jump red lights could be given fines of up to £4,000 - up from £1,000 at present.

Courts would also be able to levy unlimited fines for the most serious crimes dealt with by the lower courts, such as arson, fraud and animal cruelty, which at present attract penalties of up to £5,000.