HC Deb 16 December 1970 vol 808 c1330
16. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to amend the Road Traffic Act, 1962, so that a person is not liable to automatic disqualification unless he has committed not less than three of the specified offences on three occasions within a period of three years.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

No, Sir.

Mr. Osborn

Is my hon. Friend aware that the existing legislation has been interpreted a little harshly? There has been correspondence giving examples. Will he look at it again?

Mr. Griffiths

It is true that courts have discretion to mitigate the penalty of automatic disqualification if there are grounds for doing so having regard to all the circumstances. My hon. Friend, who is knowledgeable in this matter, will understand that the courts in the end must determine the application of this rule.