Courts dedicated to prosecuting minor motoring offences are to be set up throughout England and Wales.
The pilot scheme, which has been been piloted in nine areas being Essex, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Metropolitan Police, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and West Yorkshire has been said to have successfully “simplified” the legal process.
The new courts will only have jurisdiction in the 90% of cases where motorists admit their guilt. If someone wishes to plead not guilty and contest the offence, the magistrate courts will deal with the case. Offences such as speeding, traffic light offences as well as insurance and driving licence offences could be heard in the new style courts.
The justice minister Damian Green said: “Enforcing traffic laws is hugely important for road safety and saving lives.
“However, these cases take nearly six months on average from offence to completion, despite the fact that over 90% of cases result in a guilty plea or are proved in absence – this is simply unacceptable.
“The justice system must respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of victims, witnesses and local communities, and these dedicated courts will enable magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency.”
Each year, 500,000 minor motoring offences go through the courts and it is hoped that a single court would be able to deal with 160 cases a day.
If you find yourself facing a motoring offence charge then you can speak to our solicitors today.
May, 17, 2013