Police "will misuse" driving fines

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The Department for Transport (DFT) has been warned against giving police the power to issue on-the-spot punishments for careless driving.

Under road safety plans proposed by the DFT officers would be able to give motorists £60 fixed penalties and three points if they admit the offence.

But the Magistrates' Association has criticised the idea, suggesting it takes the matter away from courts and gives police the opportunity to "misuse" their powers.

Currently, those suspected of careless driving are prosecuted in the courts where they can face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine points on their licence.

But Chris Hunt Cooke, chairman of the association's road traffic committee, said: "Regrettably, recent experience with out-of-court disposals shows that the police cannot be relied on to use them appropriately or as intended.

Once they have been given these powers, the police will misuse them, that is a certainty, and careless driving will be generally treated as a minor offence, unless serious injury is involved."

However, a spokesman for the DFT said all drivers would always have the option to contest their case in court if they disagreed with a police decision.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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