RE: Foreign Drivers Targeted
Wednesday 28th July 2004
Foreign Drivers Targeted
Govt proposes changes to stop non UK drivers making a mockery of the law
The Government has announced proposals to stop foreign drivers of commercial vehicles from dodging fines.
The 'Consultation on the introduction of a Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit Scheme' invites comment on the introduction of a graduated fixed penalty and a roadside deposit scheme for commercial vehicles. The consultation seeks views on:- a deposit scheme whereby offending non-UK resident drivers must pay an immediate deposit at the roadside equal to the fine that their offence would attract. This could subsequently be extended to car drivers from overseas.
- a fairer system of penalties for offences through a graduated fixed penalty scheme;
- empowering the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), as well as the Police, to issue fixed penalty notices to offending vehicles.
"The Government is keen to clear up the unfair situation where foreign hauliers can avoid paying a penalty by leaving the country. It is only right that foreign hauliers are treated the same as UK ones, particularly as UK drivers in Europe cannot escape penalties. I'm aware that UK hauliers feel strongly on this matter and I want to make these changes as soon as possible. "We are also consulting on graduated penalties, which would reflect the seriousness and number of offences. I hope that we'll be able to have a system where sanctions for commercial vehicles are more proportionate and effective. This would ensure that the penalty best reflected the offence and it should simplify enforcement as fewer cases would be dealt with through the Courts."The consultation paper also includes proposals to address existing shortcomings in the law as it applies to the enforcement of the drivers' hours rules.
Discussion
AS ALWAYS Its all to do with money. The UK just wants a slice of what the French have been enjoying for years. If a non-UK driver committed an offence then there has alwaays been provision for a magistrate to try the offence and sentence offended who has to pay up before leaving.
But how are the scamera partnerships going to make this stick then ?.
But how are the scamera partnerships going to make this stick then ?.
There is already provision for this. Section 25 PACE allows for arrest when there is not an address suitable for service of a summons. Also, many hauliers are reputable firms which have agents in the UK, and who will pay fines etc...
In the more severe cases where drivers are arrested, I have refused bail a number of times and placed the driver before the Court. If the Court imposes a fine and it is not paid, that is a mater for the Courts and their enforcement officers. It is not unusual for Courts to impose fines when it is highly inappropriate and then bemoan the fact that they aren't paid.
In the more severe cases where drivers are arrested, I have refused bail a number of times and placed the driver before the Court. If the Court imposes a fine and it is not paid, that is a mater for the Courts and their enforcement officers. It is not unusual for Courts to impose fines when it is highly inappropriate and then bemoan the fact that they aren't paid.
Something needs to be done at any rate. My brother had his car written off by a ignorant hungarian who was at fault. The insurers said dont claim, we wont chase the guy to hungary and its not worth you losing your no claims.
Partly due to the low value of his car (was only a festa), but still is ridiculous that he should get away with it.
Partly due to the low value of his car (was only a festa), but still is ridiculous that he should get away with it.
wolves_wanderer said:
About b y time. Every other country seems to manage to charge us on the spot fines. I think we should mirror their restrictions. Hands up who thinks the Swiss should be charged for using our motorways as the cheeky buggers charge us
Ach Liebchen!
You trying to make me bankrupt puss cat!
I pays me taxes - honest! - und you think we do not pay annual tax on top of normal tax - which we must pay for A/bahn even if we Swiss lads and lasses only drive on it for 5 minutes! Else whooping fine!
So - Swiss government charges everyone. And you should remember you are paying for special surface which is safe in all that snow! (That is what we got told when we Swiss citizens moaned about it at the time!) Ever wonder what those shiny bits on the surface are? And what about maintaining all those tunnels?
That is why you pay!
On the spot fines apply to their own as well. In fairness - much as I hate to spoil the fun - have to point out that you are not being singled out for being British!
What about my foreign relatives (touring over here and having right strop over standard of driving over here!) If they break your speed rules - they could spend night in cells until they go before the
when they get their fine! Incidentally - anyone planning to go by coach as result of all this had better be aware of another law which gives you hapless Brits on the spot fine ....
.. Failure to wear seat belt on tourist coach in France nets you on the spot fine of ca £40.
Not many people seem to know this!
About time!
EU hauliers have a free ride in this country. They contribute exactly zero to our economy, but the sheer numbers of them have a detrimental effect to our road surface. I have to pay additional road tax when driving in Europe. they pay nothing over here. They know they can get away with minor offences as they will not be pursued.
And breathe
Steve
EU hauliers have a free ride in this country. They contribute exactly zero to our economy, but the sheer numbers of them have a detrimental effect to our road surface. I have to pay additional road tax when driving in Europe. they pay nothing over here. They know they can get away with minor offences as they will not be pursued.
And breathe
Steve
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