HC Deb 10 March 1932 vol 262 cc1956-7
31. Mr. HUTCHISON

asked dm Home Secretary if he can make any statement as to the modification of the attitude of the Metropolitan Police on the subject of prosecuting motorists for minor offences; what was the number of such offences in the last month; and whether this policy will free any considerable number of policemen, and, if so, how many, from the discharge of their ordinary duties?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Revised Orders as to the procedure in traffic cases were issued by the Commissioner of Police on the 2nd instant and take effect from to-day. They provide for a greater measure of decentralisation in handling the reports in certain classes of cases, and extend the categories of offences which may be dealt with by caution. The steps now being taken are a development of the procedure introduced in 1928, and involve no innovation in principle. There will, of course, be no change in the practice with regard to cases of dangerous driving. The number of traffic offences, excluding those relating to dangerous or careless driving, or being under the influence of drink or drugs, reported in January last, the latest month for which figures are available, was 7,062. The Orders should certainly result in a considerable saving of the time of the police and of the magistrates and of members of the public as well, but it is not possible to estimate how many police are likely to be freed for other duties.

Mr. HUTCHISON

If policemen are to be released from these duties, can they be appointed to special cross-roads, where children come back from schools to their homes, and where at present they are not able to cope with the traffic?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I will convey suggestion to the Commissioner.

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

the alleged offenders under these that Will new regulations still have the option of refusing to accept the warning notice and of asking for a prosecution?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that question.