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16/08/2013
Fixed Points For Careless Drivers Introduced
New road traffic measures have come into effect today that will see police given powers to issue fixed penalty notices for careless or inconsiderate driving.
Careless drivers who commit offences such as tailgating or poor lane discipline will face on-the-spot penalties, as a result of the new measures.
"The changes give the police greater flexibility in dealing with less serious careless driving offences, freeing them from resource-intensive court processes," a statement from the Department for Transport said.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: "Careless driving puts innocent people’s lives at risk – that is why we have made it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice for low level offending rather than taking these offenders to court.
"We have also increased penalties for a range of driving offences to a level which reflects their seriousness and which will ensure that they are consistent with other similar penalty offences."
The fixed penalty for careless driving is now £100, with three penalty points on a driver’s licence. The most serious examples will continue to go through court, where offenders may face higher penalties.
Police will also be able to offer educational training as an alternative to endorsement and drivers will still be able to appeal any decision in court.
The changes are being introduced following public consultation with road safety groups and police forces.
(IT/CD)
Careless drivers who commit offences such as tailgating or poor lane discipline will face on-the-spot penalties, as a result of the new measures.
"The changes give the police greater flexibility in dealing with less serious careless driving offences, freeing them from resource-intensive court processes," a statement from the Department for Transport said.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: "Careless driving puts innocent people’s lives at risk – that is why we have made it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice for low level offending rather than taking these offenders to court.
"We have also increased penalties for a range of driving offences to a level which reflects their seriousness and which will ensure that they are consistent with other similar penalty offences."
The fixed penalty for careless driving is now £100, with three penalty points on a driver’s licence. The most serious examples will continue to go through court, where offenders may face higher penalties.
Police will also be able to offer educational training as an alternative to endorsement and drivers will still be able to appeal any decision in court.
The changes are being introduced following public consultation with road safety groups and police forces.
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
