The police in Scotland are debating a new proposal that could radically change the way in which certain speeding motorists are punished…or otherwise. Should the initiative go ahead, certain drivers under very specific conditions would be let off with warnings, rather than facing penalties of any kind.
Just as long as the respective motorist in question is not caught speeding again within three months, they’d face no fines, no penalty points and no specific punishment.
Instead, they’d simply be handed an official written warning, which could lead to more severe punishments in the case of repeat offences.
Specifically, the proposal from Police Scotland would apply to those caught driving somewhat modestly over the speed limit in 20mph and 30mph zones. When caught, they would be handed an official written warning rather than a fine, though any subsequent speeding offences during the next three months would result in fines and penalty points.
What’s also interesting is how the scheme would not make it mandatory for those receiving police warnings to inform their insurance companies. In total, it is estimated that approximately 18,000 motorists per year could be handed these warnings, as an alternative to penalty points and fines. Those caught speeding more excessively would continue to face much more severe punishments, though those caught breaking 20mph and 30mph to a minor extent would effectively face no consequences whatsoever.
“If you have an opportunity to say ‘Speeding is one of four fatal factors and we’re not going to prosecute on this occasion, we’re not going to give you a fine, will you accept this warning?’, I think most people will say ‘Yes, absolutely’,” commented Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, Police Scotland’s head of road policing.
Unsurprisingly, the proposal has attracted equally heavy praise and criticism from both the general public and other officials. Those who support the scheme insist that by turning attention away from those who break speed limits infrequently and non-severely, the police will have more time to focus on the more serious cases.
It’s argued that pursuing punishment of those who break a 20mph or 30mph speed limit by just 5mph or 6mph represents a waste of valuable police resources and court time.
On the opposite end of the fence, critics have suggested that the initiative delivers entirely the wrong message to motorists across Scotland. They argue that speed limits – particularly those in built-up and residential areas – exist for a very good reason. With effectively telling motorists they will get away with speeding from time to time, the proposal will do nothing but encouragemotorists to carelessly break speed limits and put the lives of others in danger.
It’s yet to be determined whether the new proposal will be enforced, though Police Scotland firmly believes in the potential benefits of the scheme.
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