Mounties in New Brunswick are welcoming stiffer penalties being proposed for excessive speeding.

Amendments to the province’s Motor Vehicle Act were introduced in the legislature on Tuesday.

Cpl. Hans Ouellette, media relations officer for the New Brunswick RCMP, said any changes that will help improve road safety is always a plus.

“Safety for everyone on our roadways is always a top priority for the New Brunswick RCMP,” Ouellette said in an interview.

Current penalties for driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit are a $500 fine and five demerit points on your licence.

Under the proposed changes, anyone caught driving 50 km/h to 80 km/h over the speed limit would also have their vehicle impounded for a week.

Driving more than 80 km/h over the speed limit would lead to a 30-day vehicle impoundment, a $1,000 fine, and six points off the driver’s licence.

Ouellette said they are aware that other provinces already have similar laws in place for excessive speeding, also known as “stunting.”

“The RCMP constantly consults and works closely with the province and its policing partners when it comes to road and highway safety,” he said.

“We welcome the opportunity to help strengthen public safety for all New Brunswickers through our collaboration on proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act with the ultimate aim of improving road safety.”

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said harsher consequences for “stunting” in other provinces have reduced incidences of excessive speeding and fatal crash.