PENALTIES
The campaign against reducing fixed penalties for speeding is having an impact. Many MPs have expressed their concern in committee and on the floor of the House. In the debate on the Third Reading of the Bill on the 8th of March, Liberal Democrat transport spokesman John Thurso referred to ‘deep unease’, in particular about reducing points in the 30 to 40mph range. When Mark Lazarowicz pressed Jamieson to reveal ‘his current thinking on the issue’ he was told:
... ‘it is evident in the Bill—that the structure will be the subject of further consultation and debate in the House. ... Views are divided on the issue and we want to hear further views from the statutory consultation before we lay further orders on the issue.’
The Bill remains unchanged. Parliament must get a clear message that speeding is unpopular and so is greater leniency for the few speeding drivers who are detected. If you haven’t already supported our campaign, please do so now.
BLACK BOXES
MP Rob Marris took up the Safer Streets Coalition ‘black box’ amendment to the Bill and with us developed it into a suitable form as a new clause. Black box data would only be accessed in the event of a crash involving death or serious injury. It would be used to improve emergency care and understanding of crash causation and the contribution of speed to crashes. The data would provide better evidence in criminal cases. Finally, there is evidence that black boxes help to prevent crashes by increasing driver accountability.
Safer Streets Coalition Press release: Government should take the lead on 21st century road safety technology
SSI Briefing on Event Data Recorders (28kb pdf) for Rob Marris
Rob Marris speech in the House of Commons
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson commended Marris for thinking through the issues carefully. He referred to European Commission research into using black boxes for crash reconstructions and litigation which is due to report in two years. According to Jamieson ‘the international arena ... is the most appropriate place to develop such standards.’ The amendment was withdrawn to avoid a counterproductive division.
We believe the UK Government could lead the way instead of waiting and will develop this argument when we can.
The Bill is now awaiting its second reading in the House of Lords.
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