Government clampdown on careless driving

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has announced plans to target ‘careless drivers’ on Britain’s roads.

New proposals drawn up by the Department for Transport would enable police officers to hand out fixed penalty notices for less serious careless driving offences, along with offering an educational training alternative to accepting an endorsement on their licence.

“Careless driving is a major public concern and a cause of deaths and injuries on our roads,” said Penning. “These changes support both police enforcement and, for some cases, the associated offer of educational training for motorists unaware of the full, potential consequences of driving carelessly.

“We also need to make sure that the penalties for a wide range of fixed penalty motoring offences are set at reasonable levels, consistent with the potentially severe consequences of some infringements.”

If the recommendations are approved, the fixed penalty will stand at £90 and three points on the driver’s licence. More serious offences will continue to go through to court where greater financial and custodial charges may be applied.

Among the other proposals outlined by Penning are an increase in the fixed penalty fees for not wearing a seat belt, using your mobile phone whilst driving, some speeding offences, graduate penalties and insurance offences.

The consultation on the potential new powers will close in September, after which a final decision will be made. Click here for further information.

Even if you try your utmost to stay safe on Britain’s roads, unfortunately you can’t guarantee the ability and concentration of those around you. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself, your vehicle and your leisure vehicle with comprehensive insurance cover.

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