Reckless drivers to be hit with on-the-spot-fines

Reckless drivers and boy racers are being targeted under new government plans which will force drivers to pay a £100 on-the-spot-fine for carrying out dangerous manoeuvres behind the wheel.

Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond will outline his new plans today to give police renewed powers to punish dangerous drivers who are seen tail gating other vehicles, under taking or weaving in and out of traffic, and carrying out other reckless driving acts.

The powers will enable police officers to issue fines of a minimum of £80 and 3 points on the licence without having to go through the courts. It is hoped the new legislation will help combat persistently dangerous drivers.

Those drivers who are disqualified will be forced to retake their tests and those who continue to breach driving laws and cause danger on the roads could have their vehicles seized.

As well as targeting bad drivers, the government also want to tighten the penalties for drink and drug drivers. New plans are expected to introduce a drug driving offence, as the law currently demands that police must prove a person has taken drugs and it has affected their driving for that person to be charged.

The loophole which allows some drink drivers to dodge charges by requesting a blood test, is also under review. It’s likely that the right to a blood test under these circumstances will be repealed.