§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of convictions for Road Traffic Act offences where fines were imposed, in the most recent convenient period; how many such fines were not paid; what is his policy towards alternative methods of punishment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarlisleIn 1971, in England and Wales, 1,380,603 fines were imposed in respect of offences relating to motor vehicles. The number of unpaid fines is not readily available. In addition to fines, the range of penalties available to the courts in dealing with road traffic offences includes conditional discharge, probation, and—for the more serious offences—imprisonment. The courts also have wide powers, in respect of a number of traffic offences, to order licence endorsement or disqualification.