With effect from 16 August 2013, Police have been given new powers to issue fixed penalty notices for careless or inconsiderate driving.
The Government hopes that these new powers will give the Police greater flexibility in dealing with less serious careless driving offences, the idea being that they will then not require to be dealt with in what can become costly and lengthy court hearings.
The fixed penalty for careless driving is now £100, with 3 points on the driver’s licence. The police will also be able to offer educational training as an alternative to endorsement.
According to the Government, the most serious examples of careless driving will continue to be taken to court, where offenders may face higher penalties. Drivers will also still be able to go to court if they wish to appeal any fixed penalty decision.
Finally, last week also saw an increase in the fixed penalty levels for most motoring offences for the first time since 2000. The increases include, for example, a rise in the fixed penalty for using a mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt. These are both now set at £100.
Contact Lewis Nedas’ Criminal Lawyers in London
If you have been charged with careless driving and require specialist legal advice please contact our solicitors Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan on 020 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form herehere.
This blog post is intended as a news item only - no connection between Lewis Nedas and the parties concerned is intended or implied.
