ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES PENALTIES REVIEW

Dear Jisha Salim

I write to strongly support Proposal 18 of the Road Traffic Offences Penalties Review which would provide for two levels of fixed penalty for speeding offences. The higher level would be awarded to those exceeding the limit by a wide margin so as to increase the risk to them of losing their license through totting up.

I would add that lesser speeding offences are still lethal to vulnerable road users. The government must avoid appearing to condone the status quo in which 70% of drivers exceed the 30mph limit.

Lastly, I must point out that stiffer penalties will have little effect if not backed up by adequate enforcement and if judges and magistrates do not use them. Stiffer penalties alone will not make speeding socially unacceptable: the police and the courts have to get the message across, and they will need the resources to do so.

Best regards
Richard Evans
Merton Cycling Campaign