16.08.13
Fixed fines for careless drivers introduced
Police can now issue fixed penalty notices for careless or inconsiderate driving, as new powers come into force today.
Notices can be issued for tailgating or poor lane discipline without going through the courts, and fixed penalty levels for most motoring offences will rise to £100. Police will also be able to offer educational training for careless drivers.
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.”
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