It's a scare tactic. With all the people that drive 80 in a 65 (I'm no angel either), it would seem to me that the current fines are not really encouraging people to slow down. I can see why the fines would go up. Make the punishment steeper and hopefully people will start to comply.
I'm a struggling, very small business owner. Yes, the fines are steep. You can bet that I never go into the carpool lane unless I have two or more. When I break other motor laws, I keep one eye in the rear view mirror and one scanning in front.
I also understand that in doing so, I may find myself at the side of the road at some point with flashing lights behind me.
People parking in handicapped spots is a big pet peeve of mine. You don't have a placard, you should get your car towed and impounded on top of the ticket.