§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether their commitment to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads by 40 per cent by 2010 is compatible with the increase in the cost of a fixed penalty for some serious and endorsable offences to only £60. [HL4223]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe Government are satisfied that the increase in the level of the fixed penalty is compatible with their road casualty reduction targets. The increase is 50 per cent from 1 November and, as before, it also carries three penalty points. Drivers face disqualification if they acquire 12 points. In addition, the level and effectiveness of enforcement of endorsable offences is being increased through the use of camera technology.
§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What advice and encouragement they will be giving to Chief Police Officers to achieve a reduction of 40 per cent by 2010 in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads, given that most constabularies are reducing their traffic departments. [HL4224]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonWe have made it clear that we consider it essential to work in partnership with all those with a stake in improving road safety, including the police, in order to achieve the Government's targets for reducing road casualties. The Association of Chief Police Officers supports us in that aim. Our Road Safety Strategy details a number of measures we are taking forward to improve the police's enforcement powers and to make it easier for them to combat illegal and irresponsible driving. These include the greater use of technology. We have already provided some special funding to enhance the use of speed cameras in eight police forces. The size of a "traffic department" in a force is not a good indicator of the level of road policing that is carried out.