Marples Gives Way on Disqualification
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FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT
A LTTOMATIC disqualification for three driving offences in three years is out. Mr. Marples this week went some way towards meeting the intense criticism of this section of the Road Traffic Bill by announcing that courts would be given discretion about disqualifying.
Speaking during Committee discussion of the Bill in the Commons, the Minister said he would propose certain amendments to the clause which dealt with three offences in three years. One would omit the reference to "special reasons" which a court would have to find before shortening, or not imposing, disqualification. Special reasons would, however, still apply for the six most serious driving offences.
Courts would be given a discretion to disqualify for a shorter period or not at all where they were satisfied there were grounds for mitigating the normal consequences of conviction," explained the Minister.
Mr. John Hay, the Parliamentary Secretary, gave news of two new road safety moves the Government have in mind. A new clause is likely to be introduced to the Bill making it an offence to drive under conditions, such as bad weather or without suitable glasses, which made it impossible for a driver to read a number plate at a specified distance away. A regulation is also to be introduced making it compulsory for all new cars to be fitted with safety belts for the front seats.