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14th October 2004
Page 8
Page 8, 14th October 2004 — HARD SHOULDER.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

EXPRESS MARKS THE SPOT

The Great British Public might well rise up against the threat of more on-the-spot fines for traffic offences. Mr X sees their point, but believes that law abiding operators have little to fear and mudi to gain...

What would we do without the Daily Express? Always on the lookout for a new cause to champion, it has now sent its formidable force of readers on a quest to see if the country is behind the idea of on-the-spot fines. It will be interesting to see what the great British public thinks, because the issue of enforcement could redefine the way we behave on the roads.

The one big problem will be the lack of suitably trained police officers. Traditionally, the British Bobby has been able to exercise a reasonable amount of discretion in the application of the law. Most of us have had cause to thank a cop for letting us off some trivial offence, knowing they are equally glad to avoid the paperwork. But now I predict we will see a new breed of poorly trained, privatised enforcement officers, motivated like traffic wardens by pecuniary gain.

In fact UK drivers are not all that bad: our accident statistics are some of the best in the world. We have the most congested roads in Europe, but still the traffic flows; probably because most drivers are prepared for a bit of give and take. Once we have an eagle-eyed force watchlng our every move that will change.

The dilemma is heightened by the need to keep vocational driving licences clean. With only 12 points between peace of mind and the dole, drivers will be less inclined than ever to take a chance decision. We are going to see increasing numbers of HGV's holding up the traffic at box junctions, keeping clear of bus lanes and rigidly observing inappropriate speed limits.

Nonetheless, I cannot help but agree that a system of on-the-spot fines is the way forward. It frees up the courts to concentrate on the real law-breakers, and may help to even out the bumpy playing field of international transport. Come to think about it, it might be worth the pain for that alone!

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