potential new police powers..

Yorkshirecoal
Yorkshirecoal Posts: 52
edited August 2009 in The bottom bracket
As there are many thread regarding careless motorist I though you could canvas your opinions on the following.
Some of you might have heard the magistrates society, not sure if it’s called that, are currently opposed to a new idea the judiciary and government are considering…
That being the police, me, giving a fixed penalty ticket for careless driving (driving without due care).
Much like a speeding ticket I would imagine with the potential for points/fine as it’s a mandatory 3 to 9 points if convicted at court.

A few of us were discussing this at work today and most of us did not like the idea. Firstly careless (due care) driving is really in the eye of the beholder, technically is defined as driving that falls below the standard of an ordinary competent driver. So for an advanced driver like myself I could consider most things careless an ordinary motorist would not. There in lies the issue. Currently a set of magistrates (3) or a district judge consider the evidence and as our peers (I would use the “” things but can't stand them) make a decision based on the facts if the police decide to prosecute the accused. I’m sure most of them are not advanced drivers.
So or we (the police) now to be the higher authority on driving?. I know a few officers who should not be allowed behind an oap scooter in that case.
Your thoughts…
*Insert something witty or profound here*

Comments

  • bikerbill
    bikerbill Posts: 269
    Fixed on the spot penalties for drivers caught speeding, I dont have too much of a problem with. When it comes down to careless driving, I would much rather things stay just the way they are.
  • stevenmh
    stevenmh Posts: 180
    It would depend on what the careless driving is. If I guy sits in the outside lane at 65 and does not move in and the cars overtake on the inside, which is the most careless, and which would the cop go after.

    I think in some cases it could be useful and if it were backed up by video that would be even better. Perhaps a warning, with 3 warnings and you get fined.

    Thankfully the police in UK are not corrupt like in other parts of the world!! If a law like that ever came into effect in Thailand - HA! Well most motorists would first have to know what careless driving is, and then that there are actually rules on the road. :lol: :shock:
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    Remember that a fixed penaltiy are an option offered to you to save going to court if you accept your guilt. You can still choose to have your case heard my magistrates if you dispute the police version of events.
  • cedargreen
    cedargreen Posts: 189
    bikerbill wrote:
    Fixed on the spot penalties for drivers caught speeding, I dont have too much of a problem with. When it comes down to careless driving, I would much rather things stay just the way they are.

    You mean that drivers can continue to drive while jabbering into their mobiles, under the influence, uninsured, without even bothering to look where they're going never mind using their mirrors or indicating, in the full knowledge that there is almost zero chance of being stopped as the plod are either uninterested or have other priorities.

    Not sure I trust the police's ability to use their judgement in this area though, even assuming they did start to take an interest in careless driving.

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