On the Spot Fines for 'Hogging' the Middle Lane
Higher fines have been introduced by the Department for Transport for offences such as ‘hogging’ the middle lane, using mobile phones while driving and tailgating in an attempt to tackle careless driving.
From July onwards, police will be able to issue fixed penalty points for these offences at the roadside and fines will be increasing from £60 to £100, equalling these offences to other fixed penalties. Drivers will also receive three penalty points on their licence, but will have the opportunity to take a driver training course instead of the points. However more serious offences will be dealt with in court.
Stephen Hammond said “Careless drivers are a menace and their negligence puts innocent people’s lives at risk. We are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court”. The road safety charity Brake are in favour of the increase, but have stated that for the deterrent to work, the fines should be greater.
For more information visit the Department for Transport website.
From July onwards, police will be able to issue fixed penalty points for these offences at the roadside and fines will be increasing from £60 to £100, equalling these offences to other fixed penalties. Drivers will also receive three penalty points on their licence, but will have the opportunity to take a driver training course instead of the points. However more serious offences will be dealt with in court.
Stephen Hammond said “Careless drivers are a menace and their negligence puts innocent people’s lives at risk. We are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court”. The road safety charity Brake are in favour of the increase, but have stated that for the deterrent to work, the fines should be greater.
For more information visit the Department for Transport website.
