(02/09/2009)

On The Spot Driving Fines Undermine Justice

Magistrates have slammed plans to allow police to issue on-the-spot fines for carless drivers, claiming that this will undermine justice.

The chairman of the Magistrates’ Association said ruling driving as careless, was subjective. He believes that police would then be acting as judge and jury, should they be allowed to impose the fines on the spot.

He also voiced concern over out-of-court disposals in England with some including series accusations such as rape. In 2003 68% of all matters reached court, but this has fallen dramatically with only 24% reaching the courts in 2007.

The current proposals would see careless driving changed to a fixed penalty offence. This would see offending motorists given an on-the-spot fine and 3 points on their licence. Mr Thornhill expressed extreme concern that many people would simply pay to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. These people would then be unaware that they were getting a conviction that would show up in future criminal record checks.

This method of resolution of careless driving is a dramatic change to what process is currently in operation. Currently drivers are all prosecuted in court where they can receive a fine of up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points on their licence.

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