Police will get powers to fine careless drivers on the spot, rather than taking them to court, as part of a government strategy to make Britain's roads safer. Ministers say motorists who tail-gate, undertake or cut others up often go unpunished and that introducing instant penalties would be more efficient. Offenders would get a fine of at least £80 and three points on their licence. Critics say the approach - likely to be introduced in 2012 in England, Scotland and Wales - is too simplistic. Currently motorists who have driven in a careless manner have to be prosecuted through the courts. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13356057 What do you think to this story?
I think in a way it works because it's wasting a lot of the courts time and money when most of the time it's actually the drivers fault and the courts could be working on more important cases. But at the same time, would it be fair? Police might start to throw out fines to everybody they see doing a wrong because they just can. Maybe they won't, but I could see that happening! Then again, you get other car related fines like speeding charges/points, not having insurance etcetc through the post as an instant fine.
I am glad they are trying to curb the reckless driving and think they should do more here in the U.S. I don't even take my kids out anymore during rush hour because I am scared that some idiot could wreck me. Giving a ticket does not teach them a lesson, all they do is pay it and it's over with.
In America, the police already have the power to hand out tickets and fines for anything and everything. And, they give out so many tickets every year. But, still it hasn't done anything to make our roads safer. I think police have a quota on the number of tickets they are supposed to issue daily. There are real offenses being committed on US roads and highways, but the only people being fined are ones committing minor violations. Drunks are left to run the road. The only reason you go to court after getting a ticket here is to pay the fine. There is no arguing a ticket, cause you won't win. Though some people try.
