The UK Department of Transport (DoT) intends to crack down on reckless drivers by granting its police force the power to issue on-the-spot fines for acts such as tailgating, undertaking (bad pun alert) and, “cutting up” other road users. These penalties will range from £80 to £100 (US$130 to US$162) and also apply to those caught using mobile phones.

It’s all part of a crackdown on what UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond deems, “persistently dangerous drivers,” and will also encompass drunk and drug-affected road users as well.

In a written statement to British MPs, Mr. Hammond said: “We need to rebalance road safety enforcement away from a narrow focus on camera-enforced speed policing, to address the wider range of behaviours that create risk on the roads. Where road users commit serious, deliberate and repeated offences we aim to increase the effectiveness of enforcement for this minority.”

The loopholes that previously allowed people to get out of drink driving charges will be closed and disqualified drivers will be forced to retrain and may even be asked to retake their driving test before having their licenses reinstated. UK courts have also been encouraged to seize vehicles from those charged with more serious driving offenses. In the worlds of a Department of Transport spokesperson:

“The strategy will focus on cracking down on the really reckless drivers through more efficient enforcement. By giving the police the tools to deal with those who present the greatest danger to others we can make our roads even safer. While seeking to do everything possible to tackle the most dangerous drivers, the strategy will also help the responsible majority to improve their driving.”

The government agency hopes to toughen up on those who are consistently reckless in their driving behaviour, rather than just penalising those who make genuine mistakes. Additional driver training will be made available to both new drivers and those who have charged with less serious offences.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Foundation, has questioned whether these new strategies will be enforceable. He recently told the AFP:

“This strategy certainly addresses anti-social behaviour on the roads but it is questionable whether it tackles the key areas which cause injury and death. Either way, the three things needed to make these plans work are enforcement, enforcement, enforcement. With police services being cut, it is far from certain the desired results can be achieved.”

The UK DoT is also considering raising the motorway speed limit to 80 mph, “if it is found to benefit the economy,” and limits on rural roads may be reduced to lessen the number of people killed or injured in those areas. Carscoop will keep on this matter as the news comes down the line.

By Tristan Hankins