Govt announces new penalties to tackle careless driving

Date: 15/6/2012

Careless driving is a problem that can seriously affect the safety of other road users and the government wants to introduce new fixed penalty notices to tackle the issue.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning made the announcement yesterday (June 14th), outlining the changes the coalition wishes to bring into effect.

Currently, police can issue those caught driving carelessly with a warning, between three and nine points on their licence and a fine of up to £5,000 or a court summons.

The government is proposing that this should be a fixed penalty of three points on the driver's licence and a £90 fine. More serious cases will go to court and it is here they may be issued with a higher penalty.

Drivers will still be able to appeal against any decisions when they get to court.

Mr Penning pointed out that careless driving is a "major public concern" as it leads to injuries and deaths on Britain's roads. Indeed, in 2010 'careless, reckless or in a hurry' was noted as a contributory factor in 322 deaths among motorists.

"We need to make sure that the penalties for a wide range of fixed penalty motoring offences are set at reasonable levels, consistent with the potentially severe consequences of some infringements," Mr Penning stated.

The changes will also give the police force greater flexibility when it comes to dealing with less serious driving offences. This will potentially help to free-up vital enforcement resources.

Furthermore, they will be able to offer educational training as an alternative solution to endorsement.

"These changes support both police enforcement and, for some cases, the associated offer of educational training for motorists unaware of the full, potential consequences of driving carelessly," Mr Penning added.

Instances of careless driving include travelling too close to another vehicle, driving through a red light, emerging from a side road into the path or another motor and overtaking on the inside.

The government has also suggested increasing payments for motoring fixed penalty offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and talking on the phone while driving from £60 to £90.

Posted by Mary Treen