Traffic Law and Its Enforcement (2003)

Memorandum by the Slower Speeds Initiative to the Transport Select Committee:
 
SUMMARY
 
Is the law on traffic offences appropriate?
 
It would be surprising if the law on traffic offences were entirely appropriate. The policy context for managing motorised traffic has changed significantly in the last decade in recognition of the need to contain and reverse the impacts of a century of traffic growth. In addition to official casualty reduction targets in road safety, wider policy seeks to promote walking and cycling, reduce CO2, make the best use of the road network, address health inequalities and create liveable communities.
 
Road traffic law and its interpretation have helped to distance motorists from the consequences of their actions and to reduce the gravity of offences. Special categories of killing and maiming have been created because the "weapon" is a motor car and because victims are selected casually and at random. Intimidation and high levels of risk for everyone not "armed" or armoured with a motor vehicle are now standard features of access to the most important public open space, the street.
 
The status of the duty of care owed by drivers is reflected in levels of speeding and media controversy over speed limit enforcement as well as in pedestrian and cyclist casualties. But central and local government and employers also have a duty of care to prevent road violence.
 
We discuss four areas where changes in the law are needed: lower and properly enforced speed limits, road danger reduction, driver and employer responsibility and vehicle construction and use regulations.
 
SSI Memorandum
Tranport Select Committee Report