9th February 2017
Laser Pen Law
A new law will make shining handheld lasers at pilots, train or bus drivers an offence, regardless of whether the vehicles were put in danger. Offenders face being jailed or fined thousands of pounds.
Civilian Patrols could fine Motorists
Civilian Road Patrols could be handed powers to fine drivers under a planned shake up of how the UK’s roads are policed. At present, the Highways England staff cannot stop or arrest motorists for speeding, poor driving or any other offences but they can pass their vehicle registration number to police. It is also an offence to ignore their instructions. Ministers are now considering whether the officers could be given limited police powers.
Confiscate Drivers Mobile Phones?
MA police leader has proposed that drivers who illegally use a mobile phone at the wheel should have it confiscated. The head of the Police Federation of England and Wales said the measure was needed to tackle the current epidemic.
Worst Speeding Drivers to face harsher fines
New sentencing guidelines for Magistrates will see motorists responsible for the most serious offences face harsher penalties. The fines for drivers caught going well above the speed limit will start from 150% of their net weekly income rather than the existing level of 100%. The Sentencing Council said the move aims to ensure that there is a clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases. The law is likely to change in April 2017.
Tall story fails to convince Judge
A tall man has been convicted of dangerous driving after police claimed that he had been standing up at the wheel. The driver was accused of showing off to other motorists by sticking his head above the roof of a convertible Ford Ka. The 26 year old who was 6 feet 7inches tall, pleaded guilty but denied standing up, telling Newcastle Crown Court he was just “too tall”. The judge said it was “pretty obvious” that he had been showing off as he imposed an interim driving ban.
London’s Most prolific Speed Camera
Motorists on the North Circular road who have been caught by London’s most prolific speed camera have now called for their tickets to be refunded after documents emerged indicating that they had been unfairly penalised. About 7,500 drivers were sent fines between April and mid July 2016 and some are now heading to court to challenge them.
Councils to punish littering drivers
English councils are to be given the legal power to punish car owners in a major shakeup of Britain’s litter laws to be unveiled this year. Drivers who let litter be thrown will face automatic fines even if they are not personally responsible. Failure to pay within a month could see the fine tripled. Councils will be able to set their own fine limits but the likely fine will be £60 rising to £200 if the penalty is not paid within 28 days.
Please contact David Williams of Jordan Williams for a free initial consultation on 07793 055104 or david@jwlaw.co.uk
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