Last year on Britain’s roads an average of five people were killed and more than 460 injured every single day in road traffic collisions. Far too many lives are being risked or ruined due to inconsiderate, dangerous drivers who have a blatant disregard for their own safety and that of others when they ignore the law.
It’s important we continue to educate road users on safety but enforcement is also part of the solution.
Fines and fixed penalty notices should act as a deterrent and to penalise occasions when less serious offences occur. But this must go hand in hand with more police enforcement to make sure the law abiding majority feel safe and confident using our roads.
The money generated by fixed penalty fines and other motoring offences goes to HM Treasury – not to the police, councils or highways authorities whose job it is to keep our roads safe. I don’t think this is fair. If police forces were able to raise more revenues, they would be able to invest in new road safety enforcement and education officers like the No Excuse team.
Also, the fines for some offences is out of kilter with the harm caused. The penalty for those caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving doubled to a £200 fine and six points last year to reflect the severity of the crime and public concern, and the maximum fine for those admitting littering from a car rose to £150, yet the fixed penalty charge for speeding remains at £100 and three points.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am calling for the fixed penalty fines for some traffic offences to be increased to act as a greater deterrent and, importantly, that this additional revenue is passed directly into local road safety measures with a priority given to enforcement.
But I want to hear what you think. Please take time to answer a short survey to let us know your views (this should take no longer than two minutes) https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BKHM567
Thank you
Alison Hernandez
Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall
http://www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/
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