Police 'worried' about number of traffic offences

19/09/2008

Even though they can lead to higher car insurance premiums, motoring offences do not seem to be being taken "seriously enough" by motorists, it has been claimed.

Deputy Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer, vice-chair of the Suffolk Roadsafe Board, made her comments following the news that road casualties in the region have increased in the last year.

According to new statistics produced by Suffolk police, between January and May 2008 there were 157 people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads, 31 more than during the corresponding period in 2007.

DCC Jacqui Cheer said the statistics were "extremely worrying" and suggested that road users may not be taking traffic offences "seriously enough".

"Too many lives are being needlessly shattered and wasted so we are getting tough on offenders," she stated.

"If you break the law and risk lives then we'll catch you," she warned.

Earlier this year, new careless driving laws were recently brought in by the government to impose stricter penalties on drivers who cause death by not paying due care to the road.

The legislation also allows courts to sentence drivers without car insurance to up to two years in prison for causing fatalities.

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said that eight people are dying on the country's roads every day.

Drivers who are careless, uninsured, disqualified or unlicensed "should face tough penalties" if they cause death, the minister stated.

Among the avoidable distractions courts can now take into consideration are using a mobile phone, drinking and eating, and applying makeup.

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