Drivers face new on-the-spot penalties

Date: 5/6/2013

Careless motorists on Britain's roads are set to face the threat of new on-the-spot penalties for a raft of offences as a result of fresh measures announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.

The adapted policy will see police handed the power to issue fixed penalty notices for irresponsible driving - such as tailgating - while drivers may be offered educational training as an alternative to endorsement. Motorists will have the opportunity to appeal any action in court.

Mr Hammond explained that existing penalties will also be increased in a bid to bring them in line with punishments enforced for similar offences.

"Careless drivers are a menace and their negligence puts innocent people’s lives at risk. That is why we are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court," he said.

As part of the changes, the fixed penalty for careless driving will be £100 and the offender will get three points on their driver's licence.

Posted by Mary Treen

Transport News, Transport Consulting News and TRL Ltd