Every area is to have a dedicated ‘Traffic Court’ to deal with low-level road traffic offences, Justice Minister Damian Green announced last week.
There are around half a million summary motoring cases heard every year, including speeding, traffic light and document offences. Although these offences are relatively minor they often take longer from offence to completion than much more serious cases.
A task force of partners across the criminal justice system was set up to look at why this was the case and to recommend how the system could be improved, to ensure the cases are dealt with both justly and efficiently. The traffic courts are just one of the suggestions resulting from the initiative.
“Enforcing traffic laws is hugely important for road safety, and saving lives. However these cases take nearly six months on average from offence to completion, despite the fact that over 90% of cases result in a guilty plea or are proved in absence – this is simply unacceptable,” said Damian Green.
“The justice system must respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of victims, witnesses and local communities and these dedicated courts will enable magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency,” he added.
The types of offences that could be dealt with by the traffic courts include:
- lighting offences;
- noise offences;
- speed limit offences;
- vehicle insurance offences; and
- obstruction, waiting and parking offences.
Contact Lewis Nedas’ Criminal Lawyers in London
For specialist legal advice please contact our solicitors Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan on 020 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form here.
