A new proposal to allow police to issue on-the-spot fines for careless driving has faced objections from magistrates. The proposal would make careless driving a fixed-penalty offence with drivers receiving a fine and three points on their licence. At present, motorists prosecuted at court face a maximum penalty of a £5000 fine and nine penalty points.
John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates' Association said ruling driving careless was subjective and police would be acting as jury and sentencer if they were allowed to impose the fines.
However, both Department for Transport and the Association of Chief Police Officers defend this proposal. ACPO says it will issue strong guidance as to which careless driving offences should be dealt with on-the-spot and which more serious offences should proceed to court. And the DfT said that making careless driving a fixed-penalty offence would help the police enforce the law against bad drivers who admit fault with the minimum of bureaucracy.
A decision will be made later this year by transport ministers: "We are considering all consultation responses and will make an announcement later this year."
Full story - BBC News 18/08/09
guardian.co.uk 19/08/09
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