On-the-spot fines planned for careless driving

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13356057

Police will get powers to fine careless drivers on the spot, rather than taking them to court, as part of a government strategy to make Britain's roads safer.
Ministers say motorists who tail-gate, undertake or cut others up often go unpunished and that introducing instant penalties would be more efficient.
Offenders would get a fine of at least £80 and three points on their licence.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it would also include a crackdown on drug-driving and the closing of loopholes that allow people to escape drink-driving charges.
Disqualified drivers would have to undergo retraining, and possibly take another test, before they got their licence back.

Seems fair enough to me but I bet my last pound that there will be those that don't like this measure.

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Seems fair enough to me but I bet my last pound that there will be those that don't like this measure.

And for good reason. Many a time a driver has failed a breathalyser, but passed the blood test. Portable breathalysers aren't as accurate and there can be calibration issues. I don't agree that they're now planning to deny the right to demand a blood test.
Additionally, the training courses are expensive. I did one rather than accept points, paid around £270 for a 2 day course. One instructor, about 30 people in the class. Seems a bit of a cash grab.

Good. Although I sometimes have undertaken because the guy in front is going slow. I.E Someone doing 65 on the right hand land of the motorway.

Originally Posted by Sparkle

And for good reason. Many a time a driver has failed a breathalyser, but passed the blood test. Portable breathalysers aren't as accurate and there can be calibration issues. I don't agree that they're now planning to deny the right to demand a blood test.
Additionally, the training courses are expensive. I did one rather than accept points, paid around £270 for a 2 day course. One instructor, about 30 people in the class. Seems a bit of a cash grab.

I couldn't find that in the OP link - can I ask where that info is?

[Gary L]

The way we're heading we won't be able to go to court to argue the case. it's all down to the police and what they judge.

[Dai]

Judge Dredd rulez..

[Gary L]

I was going to say that.

Judge Dredd style. because we're just too busy to do it properly.

we will comply.

Just imagine if cars and motorists didn't exist. the police wouldn't know what to do with themselves.

Who wants a career in the Fine Issuing Force?

[Jimmy-J]

I agree, as long as there is evidence provided to the driver of his/her dangerous driving.

There are many drivers who drive whilst under the influence of prescribed drugs, I was one of them, and because of this (and other reasons), I decided to voluntary send my licence back to the DVLA. I have a bus pass now.

[Sirius]

I have not problem with this.

I just wish i could fine the idiot copper who missed my front end at a junction by mm yesterday in hyde and then gave me the finger.

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Hugh

I couldn't find that in the OP link - can I ask where that info is?

Admittedly I didn't read the OP link as I'd read the story earlier.
I believe I'd read it here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-shake-up.html

---------- Post added at 11:42 ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 ----------

From the above link:

• New fixed penalty notices of between £80 and £100 for careless driving rather than going to court

• An end to the right to request blood tests rather than breath tests for drink-driving

• Re-test for banned offenders before regaining licence
• Police station drug-testing and a possible new offence for drivers who drive under the influence of drugs

• The seizure of vehicles belonging to the most dangerous offenders to keep them off the road

[Pog66]

On the spot fines then....better make sure I have enough cash with everytime I get in the car....or will they accept credit cards

--------------------------------------------
ok - just seen Sparkles post

New fixed penalty notices of between £80 and £100 for careless driving rather than going to court

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

And for good reason. Many a time a driver has failed a breathalyser, but passed the blood test. Portable breathalysers aren't as accurate and there can be calibration issues. I don't agree that they're now planning to deny the right to demand a blood test.

Generally people pass the blood test as they have an hour or two to sober up until a doctor can take the blood sample. The roadside tests aren't used as evidence, it's only the fixed machines which include calibrations as part of the sampling procedure.

Anyway it all sounds good to me.

[AbyssUnderground]

Originally Posted by Damien

Good. Although I sometimes have undertaken because the guy in front is going slow. I.E Someone doing 65 on the right hand land of the motorway.

Same here. People often do 50mph on a congested motorway which turns into 2 lanes then 3 again over 500 yards. I come off at that junction so I'm often forced to undertake because of the congestion. It would make me miss the junction to go around the other side.

[v0id]

I still feel, if you're caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs you should lose your licence indefinitely.

[Sparkle]

On the spot fines? Not so fortunate for young drivers with acne.